Victoire lean on Poulin, Desbiens to beat Sceptres 3-1

As Canada's national women's team head coach, Troy Ryan has been on the right side of many heroic performances from Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin, but on Tuesday night the Toronto Sceptres bench boss was on the other side as Poulin led the Montreal Victoire to a 3-1 victory at home.

"She's a tough opponent any time you have to coach against her or play against her," said Ryan. "She was dangerous every time she was on the ice."

Poulin scored her league-leading fifth game-winning goal and 12th goal overall of the Professional Women's Hockey League season and added an assist in the win for the Victoire (10-3-1-4), who extended their lead in the standings to five points over second-place Toronto (8-2-4-7).

In a game between the PWHL's top two teams, Montreal's top players led the way. The line of Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Jennifer Gardiner was reunited for the game against Toronto by Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie.

"[Stacey] brings that ability to turn the puck over and I felt like in the past couple of games we weren't having as much success on the forecheck and we were rewarded tonight with those three each getting a goal," Cheverie said.

In addition to the top line scoring all three goals for the team, goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens made 24 saves, including stopping Toronto's Natalie Spooner alone in front with just over a minute remaining.

WATCH | Poulin leads Victoire to big win over Sceptres:

Poulin leads Victoire to big win over Sceptres, Montreal holds down top spot in PWHL

"That group did lead the way and Ann settled us down when we needed her to, especially that big save on Spooner," Cheverie said. "Your top players have to show up in those moments, and that's why they are where they are in their