Ottawa sports fans watching the PWHL this season got a reminder Thursday night of just how deep the Montreal Victoire roster runs, even without their biggest star.
Forward Laura Stacey put on a clinic, recording two goals and an assist as the Victoire dismantled the Seattle Torrent 4-1 in a commanding performance on March 19. The win is especially noteworthy because it came without injured captain Marie-Philip Poulin, the Hull, Quebec native and Ottawa-area hockey icon who has long been the face of the franchise.
Stacey Steps Up
With Poulin sidelined, someone had to fill the void, and Stacey answered the call emphatically. The veteran forward has been steadily building her game in the PWHL, and Thursday's performance was a showcase of her ability to read the ice, create plays, and finish.
This kind of leadership moment matters in a league that's still growing its fanbase and proving its product. The PWHL is in just its second season, and performances like Stacey's are exactly what the league needs to keep momentum going.
What This Means for Ottawa Fans
Ottawa has a deep, passionate hockey culture, and PWHL games regularly draw viewers from the National Capital Region, especially given the strong Quebec and Ontario ties throughout the league's rosters. Many Ottawa fans have followed Poulin's career since her days representing Canada internationally, and the Victoire have become something of a adopted team for the region.
With the Senators still finding their footing and the PWHL offering high-level, fast-paced hockey, more Ottawa fans have been tuning in on Thursday nights. The league's games are broadcast nationally on CBC and TSN, making it easy to follow from home.
The Bigger Picture
The Victoire's ability to win convincingly without Poulin sends a strong message to the rest of the league: this team isn't a one-player show. Depth wins championships, and Montreal is demonstrating they have it.
For the Torrent, the loss is a tough pill to swallow. Seattle has been competitive this season, but they were simply outmatched on this night.
As the PWHL playoffs approach, expect the Victoire, healthy Poulin or not, to be one of the toughest teams in the bracket. And expect Ottawa fans to be watching closely.
Source: CBC Sports. Original article by CBC Sports staff.
