Montreal cruises past New York 5-2 to clinch PWHL post-season berth

By Pat Hickey, The Canadian Press on April 24, 2024.

Montreal's Kristin O'Neill (43) scores on New York goaltender Corinne Schroeder (30) during second period PWHL hockey action in Montreal on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

MONTREAL – Kristin O’Neill had a goal and an assist in helping lead Montreal to a 5-2 win over New York and clinch a playoff berth in the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday.

The victory moved Montreal (9-3-5-5) into a tie for first place with Toronto. Each team has 38 points, with Toronto having a game in hand.

Catherine Daoust, Catherine Dubois, Laura Stacey and Mélodie Daoust, with an empty-netter, also scored for Montreal. Ann-Renée Desbiens made 31 saves.

Marie-Philip Poulin picked up one assist to move past Toronto’s Natalie Spooner for top spot in the PWHL scoring race with 22 points.

Ella Shelton and Alexandra Labelle, with a short-handed effort, scored for New York (3-4-3-11). Corinne Schroeder stopped 20 shots.

The loss eliminated New York from playoff contention in the six-team league.

New York failed to capitalize on its power play, coming up empty on three opportunities in the first period and finishing the game 0-for-5. Montreal was 2-for-4 with the extra player.

UP NEXT

Montreal travels to Ottawa on Saturday.

New York hosts Toronto on Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 24, 2024.