Murphy Scores Twice To Lead Montréal To 3-1 Home Win Against Ottawa
Murphy Scores Twice To Lead Montréal To 3-1 Home Win Against Ottawa
LAVAL, QC (January 24, 2026) – Maureen Murphy scored twice, including the game-winner, to lead the Montréal Victoire to a 3-1 victory over the Ottawa Charge in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,172 fans at Place Bell on Saturday. The win marked a milestone for goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens, who became the first in PWHL history to reach 30 career regular-season wins. Murphy opened the scoring at 12:52 of the first period, converting a rebound for her second goal in as many games. She struck again on the power play with 15 seconds remaining in the period, blasting a one-timer from the left flank to give Montréal a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission. Ottawa cut the deficit to 2-1 at 14:14 of the second when Michela Cava’s shot from the slot, set up by a Kateřina Mrázová saucer pass, deflected in off linemate Fanuza Kadirova. Montréal, looking to re-gain a two-goal lead, maintained pressure in the third, firing 15 shots at Charge goaltender Gwyneth Philips, who kept her team within striking distance. With Philips pulled for an extra attacker, Abby Roque scored her fifth of the season to secure the win and extend Montréal’s Place Bell win streak to five games. Desbiens made 23 saves for the Victoire, who move into second place with the win, while Philips stopped 33 in Ottawa’s second loss to Montréal in 11 days. Both teams have one game remaining before the league breaks for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, as Montréal hosts Toronto on Jan. 28, and Ottawa welcomes Seattle to TD Place the same evening.