Victory for the Victoire: Vancouver Goldeneyes’ loss to Montreal shows progress isn’t linear

Watching the Montréal Victoire take down the Vancouver Goldeneyes on Dec. 20 felt like more than a regular-season loss. It felt like a measuring stick — a reminder of how high the standard already is in the PWHL and how quickly this league is demanding excellence.

From the opening faceoff, Montreal looked composed and intentional. They did not chase the game. They dictated it. Every line contributed, every shift had structure, and every response to Vancouver’s pressure felt calm rather than reactive. This was a team comfortable in its identity.

The Victoire’s 4-2 win was built on depth and execution. They absorbed pressure when needed and struck when opportunities presented themselves. Vancouver had stretches of speed and push, particularly through the neutral zone, but Montreal rarely looked rattled. They closed gaps quickly and limited second chances.

One of the most encouraging moments of the night was Dara Greig scoring her first PWHL goal early in the second period. Milestones like that matter deeply in a league still writing its history. Greig played with confidence, adding an assist and making smart decisions in transition. It was not just the goal. It was the way she carried herself within the game.

Marie-Philip Poulin was, predictably, central to Montreal’s success. Her goal set the tone, but what stood out was her restraint. She did not try to take over every shift. She trusted her teammates, drew defenders, and made the game easier for those around her. Leadership does not always need to be loud.

And even as a Goldeneyes fan, seeing Poulin again was special. After watching her during the Takeover Tour in January, being able to see her live once more felt meaningful. Getting my hockey card signed by her after the game was one of those full-circle moments that remind you why sport resonates beyond wins and losses.

Montreal’s depth was on full display. Shiann Darkangelo and Natálie Mlýnková found the back of the net, reinforcing that this was not a one-line performance. Every line played with intent — and that balance is what separates contenders from teams still finding consistency.

In goal, Sandra Abstreiter delivered a composed performance under sustained pressure. Vancouver threw close to 30 shots her way, and while the Goldeneyes managed to score twice, Abstreiter shut the door when momentum threatened to swing. Goaltending like that wins games quietly.

For Vancouver, Sophie Jaques and Michela Cava provided offensive sparks, and there were moments when the Goldeneyes looked capable of turning the tide. But execution in key moments was the difference. Against a disciplined team like Montreal, hesitation is punished.

Despite the loss, the atmosphere inside the arena felt significant. The crowd was engaged, loud, and invested. And that matters. It signals belief in the product and respect for the league.

This game reinforced something important — the PWHL is not easing into relevance, it is competing at a high level already. Losses like this hurt, but they also clarify what the next step looks like. Vancouver is close. Montreal showed what finished looks like.

Sometimes progress is not about winning. It is about understanding the gap and believing you can close it.