Chuli Shines in Emotional Return as Toronto Sceptres Top Montreal Victoire 2-1
HereS a detailed recap of the December 27th professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) showdown between the Toronto Sceptres and the Montreal Victoire, a game brimming with narrative and showcasing stellar goaltending. This contest, held at the Bell Centre, saw the Sceptres emerge victorious with a 2-1 win, solidifying thier position in the league standings.
A Familiar Face, A New Team: Chuli’s Impact
Elaine Chuli delivered a commanding performance, stopping 29 of 30 shots faced. This victory was notably poignant for Chuli, marking her first start against Montreal after two seasons as the Victoire’s backup goaltender. You could feel the emotion in her play, and it clearly fueled her success.
Game Highlights: A Back-and-Forth Battle
Toronto’s Jesse Compher opened the scoring late in the first period, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Her third goal of the season put the Sceptres ahead 1-0.
Abby Roque answered for Montreal in the second, finishing a beautiful pass from Kaitlin Willoughby. this tied the game and injected renewed energy into the Victoire.
Though, Toronto quickly regained the lead before the second period ended. Daryl Watts expertly converted a turnover into a two-on-one opportunity,firing a shot past Ann-Renée Desbiens.
Key takeaways & Standout Performances
* Chuli’s Dominance: The Sceptres goaltender was the clear difference-maker, consistently denying Montreal’s offensive threats.
* Compher’s Opportunism: Her goal sparked Toronto’s offense and set the tone for the game.
* Watts’ Clutch Goal: Capitalizing on a turnover demonstrates her ability to seize crucial moments.
* Defensive Resilience: Toronto secured a important road win despite missing key defensive players.
Standings Implications & What This Win Means
With this win, the Toronto Sceptres now stand alone in second place in the PWHL standings. They’ve proven they can win on the road, even against a tough opponent like Montreal.
Injury Updates: Toronto Navigates Challenges
Toronto played without 2025 PWHL Defender of the Year Renata Fast, sidelined with a lower-body injury for the third consecutive game. Allie Munroe also missed the contest due to a similar injury. Despite these absences, the Sceptres demonstrated extraordinary depth and resilience.
Montreal’s Struggles: Power Play Woes Continue
Unluckily for the Victoire, their power play continues to falter. They went 0-for-3 on Saturday, extending their scoreless streak to 0-for-13 over the last four games. This is an area they’ll need to address quickly to regain their winning form.
close Calls & Near Misses
Laura Stacey nearly tied the game late in the second period, but her shot rang off the post and was cleared by Kali Flanagan. It was a heart-stopping moment for Montreal fans,showcasing how fine the margins are in professional hockey.
Head-to-Head History: Toronto’s Bell Centre Dominance
This was the fifth PWHL game played at the Bell Centre and the second between Toronto and Montreal at the arena. Remarkably,the Sceptres have won both contests held in Montreal.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for both Teams?
* Montreal victoire: Will look to rebound as they visit the New York Sirens on Friday.
* Toronto Sceptres: Return home to host the Minnesota Frost on Tuesday, aiming to continue their winning momentum.
expert Analysis: Why This Game Matters
This game wasn’t just about the score; it was about narratives, resilience, and the growing intensity of the PWHL. Chuli’s performance was a testament to her character and skill, while Toronto’s ability to win despite key injuries speaks volumes about their team depth. For Montreal, addressing their power play struggles is paramount to getting back on track. You can expect both teams to learn from this contest as they continue their pursuit of the PWHL championship.
