Victoire's Winning Momentum Halted in Capital
The Montreal Victoire saw their promising three-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday, falling 2-1 to the New York Sirens. The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) matchup was held at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., as a featured contest of the league's Takeover Tour.
Montreal's record now stands at 5 wins, 2 overtime wins, and 5 losses (5-2-0-5). The lone goal for the Victoire came from defender Maggie Flaherty, who capitalized on a power-play opportunity late in the first period to tie the game.
Sirens' Rookies and Veterans Seal the Win
New York established an early lead just 84 seconds into the game. Top 2025 draft pick Kristýna Kaltounková slammed home a rebound from a Sarah Fillier shot during a power play, ending a nine-opportunity drought for the Sirens' special teams.
The game-winning goal was scored in the second period by rookie Anne Cherkowski, marking her first career PWHL goal. With 5:13 remaining in the frame, a sequence from a faceoff win by Sarah Fillier to Paetyn Levis led to a wrist shot that Cherkowski deftly redirected over the shoulder of Montreal goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens.
Desbiens was strong in net despite the loss, turning aside 25 shots. At the other end, New York's Kayle Osborne was busier and equally impressive, making 31 saves to secure the victory.
Standings Shakeup and What's Next
The win strengthens New York's position in the tight PWHL standings. With a record of 7-0-1-5, the Sirens have collected 22 points, putting them just one point behind the second-place Minnesota team and four points back of the league-leading Boston squad. The team has now won five of its last six outings.
Sarah Fillier continued her strong play for New York, registering two assists in the contest. Kristýna Kaltounková's first-period marker was her ninth goal of the season, tying her with Minnesota's Kendall Coyne Schofield for the league lead.
The season series between these two clubs is now tied at one win apiece. Montreal shut out New York 4-0 at Place Bell on November 25th, while the Sirens earned a 4-3 home victory on January 2nd behind a career-high 43 saves from Kayle Osborne.
Montreal will look to rebound quickly as they head on the road to face the Minnesota team on Wednesday. The New York Sirens return home to host Ottawa on Tuesday.
