In the aftermath of a highly penalized game, Montréal Victoire forward Abby Roque reflected on the officiating. Sporting a black eye from an altercation with Minnesota Frost forward Britta Curl-Salemme, Roque expressed a desire for officials to overlook minor scuffles and let players return to the bench. While acknowledging the necessity of some penalties, Roque emphasized the intensity of playoff hockey and suggested a more lenient approach in certain instances.
The physical Game 1 between Montreal and Minnesota culminated in a 5-4 overtime victory for the Frost, with defender Jincy Roese netting the game-winning goal. As the series progresses, Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET at Place Bell in Laval, Que., where the Frost will be missing Curl-Salemme due to a one-game suspension for an illegal hit on Montreal’s Kaitlin Willoughby.
The PWHL’s Player Safety Committee reviewed the incident, determining that Curl-Salemme’s actions warranted disciplinary action, including a $250 US fine. Despite being the first suspension this season for Curl-Salemme, her history of past infractions, including fines and suspensions for head contact, was taken into account in the decision-making process.
Roque, instrumental in Montreal’s playoff debut, emphasized the team’s physicality and strategy to wear down the Frost. With a strong performance in Game 1, players like Laura Stacey showcased resilience and leadership on the ice. Montreal’s coach highlighted the need for a better start in Game 2 to counter the depth and scoring prowess of the reigning champions.
Looking ahead, Montreal aims to overcome previous playoff setbacks and make a breakthrough against the Frost. The team’s confidence in their current roster and strategy is evident, with a focus on the present series rather than past disappointments. Game 3 will shift to Minnesota, with subsequent games scheduled if needed to determine the series outcome.