Montreal Victoire (w) vs Ottawa Charge (w) on 24 January
The upcoming match between Montreal Victoire (w) and Ottawa Charge (w) on 24th January in the Women’s PWHL tournament is poised to be a high-octane encounter that promises to showcase the best of elite women's hockey. With both teams gearing up for an intense clash, the stakes could not be higher. Montreal, pushing for a higher seeding in the standings, will be looking to extend their momentum, while Ottawa, determined to overcome recent setbacks, will be looking to make a statement. This matchup not only involves intense rivalry, but also the test of tactical discipline, physicality, and mental resilience.
Montreal Victoire (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Montreal Victoire (w) has been in scintillating form over the last five games, demonstrating a blend of precision in both attack and defense. With a shot-on-goal percentage of 12.6% and a solid 85% penalty kill rate, they have been dominant on both ends of the ice. A key feature of Montreal’s tactical setup is their aggressive forecheck. The team thrives in applying relentless pressure in the offensive zone, forcing turnovers and creating quick transition opportunities. This is combined with a fast-paced offensive style that relies on quick puck movement and exploiting mismatches through speed.
The team’s power play has also been efficient, converting on 19.4% of their opportunities. The two-pronged attack of forwards Sophie Marchand and Claire Leclerc has been the driving force, with Marchand showing particularly impressive form, recording 8 points in the last 5 games. Montreal’s strength is also their depth across all four lines, which keeps the tempo high and pressures the opposition throughout the game. Goaltender, Emilie Girard, has been exceptional, posting a .930 save percentage in her recent outings, and her performance will be key to ensuring Montreal can hold off any offensive surges from Ottawa.
In terms of injuries, Montreal has been relatively fortunate. However, forward Audrey Lemoine’s absence due to a minor injury could impact their overall pace and offensive transition, especially on the second line. Montreal will need to ensure they do not lose any flow in their forechecking system.
Ottawa Charge (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Ottawa Charge (w) has faced a mixed bag of results in recent games, but their resilience cannot be underestimated. With a power play efficiency of 17.5% and a shot-on-goal average of 26.2 per game, they’ve been creating plenty of offensive opportunities. However, their penalty kill has struggled, with a 78% success rate, which could prove to be a crucial factor against a Montreal team that capitalizes on special teams.
Ottawa’s game plan revolves around a balanced approach, combining physical play with careful puck possession. They are effective in maintaining strong defensive structures, particularly through their top defensive pairing, led by captain Natalie Bouchard. However, they have shown vulnerabilities when under pressure, especially when forced into transition. Ottawa’s strength lies in their ability to play a heavy, physical game that can wear down opponents, especially in the corners and along the boards. They will need to impose this style to disrupt Montreal’s smooth offensive flow.
The forward duo of Emily Bernard and rookie phenom Jessica Desmarais has been critical in Ottawa’s recent uptick in form. Bernard’s playmaking ability and Desmarais’ finishing touch provide Ottawa with a lethal combination that can be difficult to defend against. Their chemistry will be essential if Ottawa is to outscore Montreal. However, Ottawa will miss the presence of key winger Alice Lefevre, who remains sidelined due to a concussion, reducing their scoring depth on the top line.
Ottawa’s goaltending situation has also been an area of concern. Goaltender Isabelle Giroux’s performances have been inconsistent, with a save percentage of .903 in recent games, and she will need to improve to deal with Montreal’s fast-paced attack.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last five encounters, Montreal has had the upper hand, with a 3-2 advantage in wins. However, the games have been closer than the records suggest. Their last meeting in December saw Montreal edge Ottawa 4-3 in a thrilling back-and-forth contest. Ottawa’s physicality, combined with their counter-attacking style, has often posed a challenge for Montreal, especially when they have been able to slow down the tempo and control the neutral zone. Montreal, however, has shown a greater ability to adapt in high-pressure situations, particularly with their depth and special teams play, which have been key in their recent wins.
The psychological battle will be intriguing. Ottawa will be keen to avenge their recent losses to Montreal and prove that they can challenge the top tier. For Montreal, maintaining their winning momentum will be vital, especially as they look to secure a playoff spot. The physicality and intensity will be central, but mentally, Montreal’s focus and composure in crunch time will be their advantage.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most crucial matchups will be the battle in the faceoff circle. Montreal’s forwards have been outstanding in faceoff wins, with a team average of 54%, which has enabled them to maintain possession and control the pace of the game. Ottawa’s struggle in this area (averaging 48%) could expose them to more pressure, particularly on special teams.
Another key battle will be in the crease. Montreal’s Girard has been solid all season, but Ottawa’s Desmarais and Bernard are capable of finding those small windows of opportunity. Girard’s ability to deal with Ottawa’s traffic in front of the net will be vital. If Ottawa can generate rebounds or create chaos in front of her, they could gain an edge.
The physicality along the boards will also be a zone to watch. Ottawa’s defensemen, like Bouchard, need to win these battles to deny Montreal’s forwards space and time in the offensive zone. Montreal, on the other hand, will look to use their speed and finesse to outmaneuver Ottawa’s defense, especially on the rush.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario for this match will see Montreal dictating the tempo with their speed and offensive pressure. Ottawa will attempt to disrupt this flow with their physicality and counter-attacks. Expect Ottawa to focus on playing a disciplined defensive game, hoping to limit Montreal’s power play chances while exploiting any defensive lapses in transition.
Montreal’s superior special teams and depth will likely be the deciding factors. With key players like Marchand and Leclerc firing on all cylinders, they should have enough to see off Ottawa. If Girard remains in top form, Montreal will edge this game. However, if Ottawa can capitalize on turnovers and get under Montreal’s skin with physicality, they could pull off an upset.
Prediction: Montreal Victoire (w) to win in regulation, with a final scoreline of 4-2. Montreal’s power play and depth should prove decisive in what will be a hard-fought contest.
Final Thoughts
The matchup between Montreal Victoire (w) and Ottawa Charge (w) promises to deliver a thrilling encounter, full of intensity and tactical nuance. Montreal’s ability to dictate the pace and utilize their special teams will be key, but Ottawa’s resilience and physical play could cause problems if they can disrupt the flow. The outcome of this match will hinge on Montreal’s ability to neutralize Ottawa’s physicality and manage the pressure Ottawa is sure to apply in the trenches.
Can Ottawa’s defensive resolve hold firm against Montreal’s attacking waves, or will Montreal prove too much with their pace and power play? This game will answer that question.
