Poulin’s 3-point outing leads PWHL-best Montreal past Boston for 3rd win in 4 games | Only Sports And Health

Mélodie Daoust was in fine form for her Professional Women’s Hockey League debut as host Montreal beat Boston 3-1 in front of a crowd of 3,232 at Verdun Auditorium on Saturday afternoon.

The three-time Olympian made her debut on the first line, alongside Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey. The 32-year-old forward from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Que., has been on the team’s Reserve Player List until signing a 10-Day Standard Player Agreement before Saturday’s game. Her stellar performance earned her the game’s first star.

Montreal (6-3-3-2) was first on the scoreboard as captain Poulin scored her seventh of the season, unassisted but off a rebound from Daoust at 3:51 of the first.

The first period was physical, marked by Boston’s strong defensive pressure. Montreal would be first on the penalty kill, however, after defender Catherine Daoust got a two-minute minor for tripping.

Montreal had no problem killing the penalty and managed to go ahead 2-0 at 4:50 in the second as Daoust scored her first PWHL goal, assisted by Poulin.

WATCH l Daoust scores in PWHL debut:

Daoust scores in 1st PWHL game as Montreal beats Boston

Mélodie Daoust, who recently signed a 10-day PWHL contract, scores the game-winning goal in Montreal’s 3-1 win over Boston.

Late in the period, Boston (4-2-2-5) trimmed Montreal’s lead as captain Hillary Knight scored her third of the season, assisted by Alina Muller who forced a Montreal turnover to take possession. Montreal headed into the second intermission ahead 2-1.

Shortly after, Boston’s Jamie Lee Rattray was called for roughing, giving Montreal another chance to pull ahead. Despite strong offensive pressure, Boston managed to fend off the Montreal power play.

Montreal got another shot on the power play with under five minutes left to play as Boston defender Susanna Tapani got two minutes for holding.

Just as Tapani exited the box, defender Jessica Digirolamo was called for two minutes for checking to the head, putting Montreal on the power play yet again to finish off the game and secure their win.

Both teams return to action Wednesday night. Montreal visits New York at Total Mortgage Arena, while Boston travels to face Toronto at Mattamy Athletic Centre.

The full schedule of PWHL games airing on CBC Sports this season is available here.

WATCH l CBC Sports’ Hockey North looks at best moments around the PWHL:

Heise Injured, Toronto’s 5-game win streak, and best moments around the PWHL

Host Rob Pizzo is joined by Saroya Tinker to break down the biggest stories from Week 8 of the PWHL season.