New York Sirens Snap Losing Streak, Continue to Fight for a Playoff Spot

NEWARK, N.J. – On Wednesday night, the New York Sirens faced the Montreal Victoire, looking to snap their nine game losing streak. With some lucky bounces, a greatly improved net-front presence, and a fortunate overtime power play, the Sirens were able to defeat the Victoire and reignite their playoff hopes.

The Sirens had a strong start to the game, making clean passes and playing strong defense. Montreal struggled to cleanly deposit the puck in the Sirens’ zone in the first few minutes. The Victoire quickly found their footing though, with their top line creating a good chance up the ice, thanks to a path created by Marie-Philip Poulin. Shortly after, Paetyn Levis took advantage of a turnover and gave the Sirens a good chance, but the Victoire were able to get it back in the Sirens’ zone. Jessie Eldridge also made a great defensive play to stop the Victoire from scoring on what looked like a sure goal. Jade Downie-Landry was able to record a great shot on goal for the Sirens, but Ann-Renee Desbiens stood strong in her net. Kati Tabin missed a great chance to give her team the lead, with Corinne Schroeder looking strong in net as well. 

A great chance by Ella Shelton was saved by Desbiens, but the Sirens controlled the rebound, with Abby Roque able to net it to give New York a one goal lead. Schroeder made a few stellar saves to keep the Sirens’ lead with just over seven minutes remaining. The Sirens’ defense looked refreshingly strong throughout the first. A stuff-in attempt by Elizabeth Giguere, after a pass across from Chloe Aurard, was foiled by Desbiens. Giguere was awarded a penalty shot after Kristin O’Neill covered the puck but she was unable to raise the Sirens’ lead to two. The Victoire were struggling to control rebounds in their zone, leading to a few good chances for the Sirens. Dara Greig was sent off for high sticking, leading to a New York power play. The Sirens were 14/74 on the power play this season. No production was to be had, but the Sirens would start period two with the advantage.

Shortly after the penalty expired, the Victoire tied it up on a tip from Maureen Murphy. Both teams looked aggressive following the goal, with chances for both, but nothing was getting through Schroeder or Desbiens. Allyson Simpson was sent off for a two minute roughing minor, allowing the Victoire to head to the advantage. Schroeder absolutely stood on her head to kill the Montreal power play. Following the kill, Sarah Fillier missed a tip-in attempt and the Victoire were able to get the play back to the Sirens’ zone. A takeaway by Elle Hartje gave the Sirens some reprieve, although she was unable to create any chances for New York. Once again, the Sirens were able to convert on the rebound: a shot from Micah Zandee-Hart was saved by Desbiens, but Fillier got her stick on it for a backhand into the open net. Eldridge created a stellar breakaway chance that was saved by Debiens, but led to a scrum behind the net after Cayla Barnes crashed into Eldridge along the boards. Eldridge and Mariah Keopple were both sent off for roughing minors. The Sirens were able to create a few solid chances during the four-on-four, but Montreal was quick to block the shots. 

The third period began with 20 seconds remaining on the four-on-four. Neither team was able to take advantage of the open ice. Despite not having the goal to show for it, the Sirens looked strong to start the third. Just over five minutes into the third, Fillier committed an illegal cross check to the head, earning herself a five-minute major and a game misconduct. (You know, nobody’s perfect!) A snap from the circle, provided by Tabin, popped over Schroeder, tying the game at two. At the tail end of the Sirens’ penalty kill, Gabby Rosenthal tallied a shot on goal that Desbiens got a read on and was able to save. After the five-on-four, neither goaltender appeared to be budging. Barnes was cited for interference, giving the Sirens a crucial power play late in the game. An attempt from Hartje had the crowd convinced, but had hit the post and just missed the goal line. The Victoire and Sirens both saw some good chances in the final few minutes of the game. With just over a minute remaining, Eldridge and Keopple went to the box again, for holding and roughing, respectively. 

The Sirens captured early control during overtime, but a lack of shooting and a great glove by Desbiens stopped play. With 3:50 remaining in overtime, O’Neill was sent to the box for slashing. Maja Nylen Persson took a shot from the slot, winning the game for the Sirens and ending their losing streak in overtime. 

Of the rebound goals, Montreal Victoire head coach, Kori Cheverie, said that “the goals started from further away” and that “not getting the momentum from about 45 seconds earlier” felt more important than the odd bounces in front. Cheverie also emphasized the importance of knowing when to play north and when to play laterally and is looking to improve on that as her team continues towards the playoffs. Sirens’ head coach, Greg Fargo, explained that the team was looking to be more calculated with how they go to the net and continuing to improve on defensive players creating good looks for the forwards who are in tight to the goal.

Both teams emphasized the importance of physicality in their games, with Sirens’ forward, Abby Roque, stating that she believes the Sirens play their best hockey when they get physical and don’t give up the fight with the other teams in the league.

The Sirens will take on the Minnesota Frost in Detroit as part of the Takeover Tour on March 16th at 7:30 p.m