Montreal moves into top spot in PWHL standings with win over Minnesota

Laura Stacey scored in the first period, Tereza Vanišová added the go-ahead goal in the third and Montreal beat host Minnesota 2-1 on Wednesday night to move into first place in the Professional Women's Hockey League.

Vanišová scores decisive goal in 3rd period for 2-1 road victory in Saint Paul

The Associated Press · Posted: Jan 24, 2024 11:14 PM EST | Last Updated: January 25

Members of a women's hockey team wrap their arms around each other in celebration near their net after a win as fans watch from behind the glass. — PWHL Montreal celebrates a 2-1 win against Minnesota on Wednesday night at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn. (Abbie Parr/The Associated Press)

Montreal (4-1-1-1) moved past Minnesota in the league standings, after avenging a 3-0 defeat in Saint Paul, Minn., on Jan. 6. Minnesota (4-1-1-0) lost in regulation for the first time this season.

Montreal opened the scoring less than five minutes into the first period as Stacey scored on a deflected shot for her third goal of the season.

Michela Cava tied it at 1-all at the 11:51 mark of the second period by knocking home a rebound for her first PWHL goal.

Montreal went ahead with 6:06 left in the third on a rebound shot by Vanišová, who had just been in the box for a tripping call. It was her first goal of the season, to go with five assists.

WATCH l Vanišová's 3rd-period goal sinks Minnesota:

Vanišová's 3rd period marker gives PWHL Montreal victory over Minnesota

11 months ago

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Czech Republic born Tereza Vanišová's first career PWHL goal proved to be the winner as Montreal defeated Minnesota 2-1 Wednesday night in St. Paul, MN.

Montreal goalkeeper Elaine Chuli made 45 saves for her second win this season. Nicole Hensley made 24 saves for Minnesota.

It was the second meeting of the season between the teams. Grace Zumwinkle scored the first hat trick in the PWHL as Minnesota blanked Montreal in front of a record crowd of 13,316 at Xcel Energy Center.