After a contest marked by numerous penalties, Montréal Victoire forward Abby Roque took a moment to share her thoughts on the officiating. Sporting a black eye from an altercation with Minnesota Frost forward Britta Curl-Salemme, both players received roughing penalties. Roque expressed her desire for officials to show leniency in minor scuffles, stating that certain calls during the game could have been overlooked as it’s playoff hockey.
The physical and intense Game 1 between Montreal and Minnesota ended in a 5-4 overtime victory for the Frost, with defender Jincy Roese scoring the game-winning goal from the point amidst heavy traffic. Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET at Place Bell in Laval, Que.
Minnesota will be missing Curl-Salemme, a key forward, due to a one-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of Montreal’s Kaitlin Willoughby. The PWHL’s Player Safety Committee found Curl-Salemme guilty of making deliberate contact with the head of her opponent, leading to the suspension and a $250 US fine for her actions during the game.
Despite the setback, Curl-Salemme’s coach, Ken Klee, defended her style of play, emphasizing her commitment to playing hard but not intending to harm other players. The suspension forced Klee to make adjustments to his team’s lineup for the remainder of Game 1.
In a historic moment, Laura Stacey’s hat trick in Game 1 marked the first in PWHL post-season history, showcasing her leadership and skill for Montreal. Roque, a recent addition to the team, also made an impact in her playoff debut, contributing assists, leading in ice time among forwards, and delivering key hits to wear down the Frost.
Looking ahead to Game 2, Montreal’s coach aims for a stronger start to avoid falling behind early, recognizing the challenge posed by the skilled Frost players. Despite the loss, Montreal remains optimistic about their chances in the series, focusing on their team’s depth and determination to succeed this season.
The series will continue with Game 3 shifting to Minnesota on Thursday, followed by Game 4 if necessary on Friday in Minnesota, and potentially Game 5 on May 11 in Laval, Que.
