The Montreal Victoire executed a masterclass in defensive hockey to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Charge in Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) action on Tuesday night. The game, held at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec, was decided by the Victoire's ability to shut down Ottawa's offensive threats and capitalize on key opportunities.
A Defensive Battle from the Start
From the opening puck drop on January 13, 2026, the Montreal squad established a physical, tight-checking game plan. The intensity was evident early, with Victoire defender Lina Ljungblom delivering a notable check on Ottawa's Alexa Vasko during the first period, setting the tone for the evening. Montreal's commitment to a 'smothering defence' limited high-danger chances and frustrated the Charge's forwards throughout the contest.
Key Moments and the Game-Winning Goal
The Victoire managed to break through Ottawa's defence twice, which proved to be just enough for the win. While the official scoring summary from the game was not detailed in the initial report, the final score of 2-1 for Montreal held firm. The Charge found the back of the net once but could not solve Montreal's defensive structure and goaltending a second time to force overtime.
Implications and Team Pride
Post-game, the Victoire expressed significant pride in their collective defensive performance. In a league where offensive stars often grab headlines, this victory underscored the critical importance of structured team defence and disciplined play. The win provides crucial points in the PWHL standings as teams jockey for position mid-season. For the Ottawa Charge, the narrow loss highlights areas for offensive adjustment as they look to rebound in their next matchup.
The game was part of a full slate of PWHL contests, continuing to build momentum for women's professional hockey across Canada. Both teams will look to build on this performance, with the Victoire aiming to replicate their defensive success and the Charge seeking solutions to penetrate such stifling systems in future meetings.
