Fillier Scores Twice as the Sirens Defeat Montreal Victoire in PWHL Season Opener

Summary:

• Top draft pick Sarah Fillier recorded her first two PWHL goals and assisted on the winner of the New York Siren’s game against the Montreal Victoire. 
• The Sirens obtained a decisive 4-1 victory on Wednesday, with help from Alex Carpenter Stays and Downie-Landry.
• Up next, the Sirens will play against the Boston Fleet on Sunday while Victoire will travel to face the Ottawa Charge on Friday.

Sarah Fillier, the top overall pick in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) draft, had a breakout performance on Wednesday night for her hockey team. 

Fillier Scored Her First Two PWHL Goals 

The 24-year-old born in Georgetown, Halton Hills netted her first two PWHL goals and assisted on the game-winning tally, propelling the New York Sirens to a commanding 4-1 victory over the Montreal Victoire.

Alex Carpenter (30) continued her strong start to the season. The Cambridge, Massachusetts native scored her third goal of the campaign for New York.

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu-born Jade Downie-Landry (29) sealed the win with an empty-net goal late in the third period. 

Corinne Schroeder stood tall in the net for the Sirens, stopping no less than 28 shots and securing the win.

On Montreal’s side, Cayla Barnes gave the Victoire a glimmer of hope in the second period. 

The 25-year-old Californian notched her inaugural PWHL goal with a slick backhand deke. 

Despite her efforts and a solid 32-save performance from Ann-Renée Desbiens (30), Montreal couldn’t keep up with New York’s offensive surge.

Game Highlights 

The Sirens opened the scoring midway through the first period, taking advantage of a costly turnover by Montreal’s Swedsij defencewoman Anna Kjellbin (30). 

Fillier capitalized on the opportunity, sliding the puck past Desbiens to put New York ahead. 

The Canadian star known for her Olympic gold medal and three world championship titles managed to double her tally with a precise shot just 18 seconds before the first intermission.

Drafted first overall out of Princeton, Fillier has quickly made an impact for the Sirens, showcasing her scoring touch and playmaking abilities. 

While the Sirens were missing a key player in Ella Shelton, the league’s top-scoring defender last season with 21 points in 24 games, the Fillier-Carpenter duo was on a high roll. 

Montreal controlled the season series in the inaugural 2024 campaign, claiming victory in four of the five matchups and earning 13 of a possible 15 points. 

The Victoire finished second overall with 41 points, while the Sirens placed last with 26.

Up next, Montreal will travel to face the Ottawa Charge on Friday night, while New York will conclude their season-opening road trip on Sunday with a game against the Boston Fleet.