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The Boston Fleet and Montreal Victoire battled in overtime once again. The Fleet left Lowell victorious after six rounds of the shootout with a 3-2 win.
Tuesday’s game was a battle between the two teams, in a close, physical matchup.
Lineup Changes
Fleet head coach Courtney Kessel made some changes to the lineup on Tuesday night. The main differences from previous games was Hadley Hartmetz entered the lineup for the first time. Hartmetz played her first PWHL game Tuesday, playing 6:27.
She described the most memorable moment during her PWHL debut and said, “the fans were really loud tonight. Sitting upstairs, you don't really hear it as much as on the ice."
Not only were the fans supportive, Hartmetz also said her experience was also impacted by those around her. She said, “the support from all my teammates when I would get in or make a good play or have a good shift” was also memorable for her.
Hartmetz replaced Sydney Bard in the lineup.
Another change was Emma Soderberg started in net. Soderberg has played five games with the Fleet this season, however Tuesday was her first win.
Following the win, Soderberg said, “it feels good. I mean, I haven't had that strong [of a] season for me yet. So it's nice to get that first win, being out playing with the team, and having everyone fight out there for me."
Another adjustment as of recent has been Kelly Babstock, who was signed to a Standard Player Agreement on March 14th, 2025. Babstock was in the lineup Tuesday night and saw just over five minutes of ice time, recording two hits and one shot on goal.
Kessel highlighted what Babstock’s bringing to the Fleet team and said, “although Babs obviously brings physicality, in college she had 205 points. I don't think we can't forget how skilled of a hockey player she is. When you have the depth like that in your roster, you're set up for success."
Game Recap
As for the game itself, the Boston Fleet started off the first period with four power play opportunities.
Mariah Keopple was first to the box for interference. She was followed by Catherine Dubois who went to the penalty box for the Victoire for too many players on the ice.
The two penalties overlapped, giving the Fleet a five-on-three that they were unable to capitalize on.
Amanda Boulier then went to the box for hooking 12 minutes and 18 seconds into the first period. Still scoreless, Catherine Dubois headed to the penalty box for tripping. This was the Victoire’s fourth penalty in the first period.
With one minute remaining in the first period Hilary Knight tipped a shot from Sidney Morin past Montreal goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens. The goal gave the Fleet a 1-0 lead heading into the second period.
The goal pushed Fleet paptain Hilary Knight to 25 points, tied for first place among skaters in the PWHL for points with New York's Sarah Fillier. It also put her one goal behind Marie-Philip Poulin in goal leaders in the league.
Kessel complimented Knight and said, “she's one of the most prolific goal scorers, I think, in women's ice hockey history. We've seen it on the world stage, the Olympic stage, and thankfully, she's on our team”.
The Fleet left the first period with zero penalty minutes compared to the Victoire's eight minutes. The Fleet have stayed out of the box and it has proved beneficial as they have the lead 1-0 after the first 20 minutes.
The Fleet have struggled to stay out of the box early on in games, and it has cost them in the past.
Victoire Head Coach Kori Cheverie said following the team’s first period performance, “I mean we never want to take four in a in a period. But you know what? I thought, our team battled back and battled through that adversity, so I'm okay with it."
The Victoire and Fleet battled for the lead in the second period.
The Victoire got an early power play opportunity after Hannah Brandt goes to the box for tripping. They were unable to capitalize on the player up advantage, however shortly after Amanda Boulier tipped the puck past Soderberg to tie the game for the Victoire. Ljungblom with the assist.
Susanna Tapani responded quickly scoring for the Fleet giving them a 2-1 lead.
Shortly after Desbiens went down in the net. Play was paused as Desbiens skated off of the ice without any weight on her foot. Elaine Chuli then replaced Desbiens in net and it became a battle of the backups. .
Following the game Cheverie gave an update on Desbiens status and said, “She's in good spirits. Don't have any more information. We won't know more until we can get her out of here."
The game resumed with Chuli in net. Sidney Morin then went into the penalty box for two minutes for interference and the Victoire went on another power play.
Anna Wilgren capitalized on the player up advantage and scored for the Victoire. Amanda Boulier and Kati Tabin each record an assist.
The third period began with the score Fleet two, Victoire 2.
The 3,375 fans at Tsongas Center watched as the two teams battled for the points, however the third period was scoreless.
Right before the end of the period however, both Emily Brown and Kristin O'Neill headed to the box for two minutes. Brown for roughing and O'Neill for slashing.
The two teams then headed into overtime for the fourth time this season, the penalties carrying over.
The Fleet/Victoire are 2/4 on shootouts, and 2/4 on overtime in their four matchups this season.
Following the five minute three-on-three, the game was extended further into a shootout. The first five rounds of the shootout were even, with Muller and Knight scoring for the Fleet and Ambrose and Poulin scoring for the Victoire.
Susanna Tapani sealed the deal for the Fleet in the sixth round of shootout, winning the game for the Fleet.
Kessel was proud of her team and said, “points are huge in this league. I keep saying this in the locker room, anytime you can get a point, you know you're doing well, because it's hard to get. Every point means so much in this league."
The Fleet now have a week off until they face the Toronto Sceptres at Agganis Arena on Wednesday March 26th.
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