The Montreal Victoire has officially secured a spot in the 2026 Walter Cup Playoffs following a decisive 3-0 victory over the Vancouver Goldeneyes. This win marks a significant milestone, as it also sets a new record for the most consecutive games with points in the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), extending their streak to 12 games.
Record-Breaking Streak
The Victoire’s impressive run surpasses the previous record of 11 games held by the Toronto Sceptres, established during the 2024 season. This achievement underscores the team’s excellence this season, making them the second squad to qualify for the postseason. They join the Boston Fleet, who claimed their playoff berth with a victory over the Frost.
Team Dynamics and Key Players
Entering the 2025-26 season as a favorite among the original six franchises, the Victoire faced challenges, including the loss of key players due to expansion. Nevertheless, the team has flourished, supported by veterans like:
- Marie-Philip Poulin (Captain)
- Laura Stacey
- Ann-Renee Desbiens
Despite Poulin’s absence due to long-term injury reserve (LTIR), she remains pivotal, ranking second on the team with 17 points in 18 games, alongside nine goals, tying her for sixth place in the league.
Offseason Additions
One of the notable offseason signings, Abby Roque, has significantly enhanced the team’s performance, leading the Victoire with 18 points, which places her seventh in the league. Rookie players have also stepped up, with:
- Nicole Gosling contributing defensively
- Natalie Mlynkova emerging as a potential scorer, further solidifying team depth
Goalkeeping Excellence
Ann-Renee Desbiens continues to excel as the team’s goaltender, holding a remarkable save percentage of .954, tying her for first in the PWHL. Her goals-against average of 1.16 is also the best in the league.
Looking Ahead
While the Victoire has had a strong regular season, they aim to translate this success into playoff victories. The team has reached the semifinals in previous seasons, facing tough eliminations, including a sweep by Boston in 2024 and a four-game loss to the Ottawa Charge last year.
As the regular season nears its end, the Victoire (12-4-2-5) trails the Fleet by five points, with both teams having six games left to play. The upcoming matches will be crucial for determining playoff positioning.
