The Poulin Factor: Why Montréal’s Captain Remains the Gold Standard in Women’s Hockey
Marie-Philip Poulin continues to set the gold standard in women’s hockey, delivering clutch performances and inspiring the next generation.
The name Marie-Philip Poulin is synonymous with greatness in women’s hockey. The Montréal Victoire captain delivered yet another masterclass on Friday night, scoring a dazzling shorthanded goal to propel her team to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Charge in front of a record-setting crowd of 11,065 at the Canadian Tire Centre.
While Poulin’s goal, her first of the season, was just one moment in an intense game, it served as a reminder of why she is regarded as the gold standard in women’s hockey. Whether it’s her ability to perform under pressure, her leadership on and off the ice, or her knack for inspiring the next generation, Poulin continues to set the benchmark for excellence.
Poulin’s knack for shining in critical moments is legendary. Friday night was no exception, as she broke free in a shorthanded situation, outmaneuvering Ottawa’s defence to fire a perfect shot past Emerance Maschmeyer. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement.
Poulin marque en désavantage numérique et libère Dara Greig 🤪
— Victoire de Montréal (@PWHL_Montreal) December 7, 2024
You gotta love a jailbreak goal by Poulin pic.twitter.com/6U7amB9Heh
“We don't get tired of it.” Poulin said postgame. “Getting on the ice for warm-up and seeing the little girls with their signs and sparks in their eyes, that’s why we play. Whether it’s our first game or our 30th in a building like this, it never gets old.”
Her ability to rise to the occasion is a hallmark of her career. From Olympic gold-medal-winning goals to shootout winners in the PWHL, Poulin thrives when the stakes are highest. Her shorthanded tally on Friday was yet another example of her unmatched ability to make a difference when her team needs it most.
As captain of the Victoire, Poulin’s influence extends beyond her on-ice performance. Her leadership sets the tone for the team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. This season, Montréal’s balanced scoring—six goals from six different players in their first three games—speaks to the depth and cohesion she helps cultivate within the roster.
— Victoire de Montréal (@PWHL_Montreal) December 7, 2024
Poulin’s ability to lead by example is evident not only in her play but in the respect she commands across the league. Even opponents recognize the challenge of facing her. Ottawa goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer reflected on Poulin’s game-changing breakaway:
"I mean, there's no greater challenge than facing Marie-Philip Poulin on a breakaway. So it’s always a good opportunity for me to stop her, and unfortunately, she got me tonight."
It’s this combination of skill, composure, and influence that makes Poulin a singular presence in the PWHL. Whether inspiring her teammates or setting the bar for competition, she exemplifies what it means to be a leader.
As the PWHL grows, Poulin’s role as a leader and ambassador for the game will continue to define the league’s narrative. For her opponents, she is a formidable competitor. For her fans, she is an icon. And for the sport, she is simply the gold standard.
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