The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) showcases a classic rivalry matchup between the Toronto Sceptres and the Montreal Victoire on Sunday, December 28, 2025. This game features two evenly matched teams tied in points, with Montreal looking to leverage home-ice advantage against a Toronto squad aiming to rebound from recent overtime setbacks. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all key aspects.
Venue Location
The game will be played at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This iconic venue, home to the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, has a seating capacity of over 21,000 and has hosted PWHL games in the past, creating an electric atmosphere for high-stakes rivalries like this one. It’s located in downtown Montreal and is expected to draw a large crowd for this afternoon contest.
Puckdrop is set for 2:00 p.m. ET (afternoon start to accommodate holiday scheduling)
Broadcast/Streaming: Available on CBC Sports, TSN, and the PWHL’s official streaming platforms. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster or the PWHL website, with strong demand anticipated for this rivalry game.
Recent Team Forms
The teams enter with mixed results, but Montreal has been stronger lately. Here’s a summary of their last five games:
| Team | Last 5 Games (Most Recent First) | Form Notes |
| Toronto Sceptres | L 3-4 OT vs OTT (Dec 23), W 4-3 @ NY (Dec 21), L 1-3 @ MTL (Dec 7), W 3-2 SO vs BOS (earlier), L 2-3 OT @ MIN (Nov) | Toronto has struggled in overtime (0-2 in last two), allowing 3.0 goals per game recently. Their power play is at 20%, but penalty kill is solid at 85%. Road record: 1-0-1-1. thepwhl.com +4 |
| Montreal Victoire | L 1-2 @ SEA (Dec 23), W 3-1 @ VAN (Dec 20), W 2-1 SO vs TOR (Dec 17), W 3-1 vs TOR (Dec 7), W 4-3 OT @ OTT (Nov) | Montreal snapped a win streak with a close loss but boasts a 2.0 goals-against average. They’re undefeated at home (2-0-0-0) and lead the league in physical play, with a 25% power play. thepwhl.com +4 |
Montreal is 4-1-0-0 in their last five, while Toronto is 2-0-1-2.
Series History
This rivalry has been intense since the PWHL’s start in 2024, with 13 meetings total:
Overall Head-to-Head: Toronto 7 wins, Montreal 6 wins.
At Bell Centre/Place Bell (Montreal Home): Montreal 3-4 against Toronto.
Goals Scored: Toronto 35, Montreal 32.
Recent Meetings: Montreal has won the last three: 2-1 SO on Dec 17, 2025 (Halifax neutral site), 3-1 on Dec 7, 2025, and 4-3 earlier. Toronto dominated last season (5-0 sweep), but Montreal leads 3-0 this year.
Key Trend: Games average 5.0 total goals, with over 4.5 hitting in 7 of 13; Montreal’s home games often go under.
Injury Report
Toronto Sceptres: No major injuries reported as of late December 2025. The team is largely healthy, with no recent absences noted in practices or games. Coach Troy Ryan has a full lineup available.
Montreal Victoire: Forward Jade Downie-Landry remains on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) due to a training camp injury (undisclosed, placed Nov 2025). Forward Maya Labad was called up as a replacement. Some players are “still on the mend,” but Coach Kori Cheverie is optimistic about their progress; no new absences.
Player Matchups
Expect high-intensity battles in this rivalry, focusing on star forwards and goaltending:
Natalie Spooner (TOR, F) vs. Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL, F): Spooner, Toronto’s top scorer with multi-goal games this season, faces Poulin, Montreal’s captain and shootout hero (game-winner vs. Toronto on Dec 17). This matchup could dictate offensive flow.
Sarah Nurse (TOR, F) vs. Laura Stacey (MTL, F): Nurse’s speed and playmaking test Stacey’s physicality (leading Montreal in hits). Stacey has scored in recent wins against Toronto.
Kristen Campbell (TOR, G) vs. Ann-Renée Desbiens (MTL, G): Desbiens has been stellar (35 saves in Dec 17 win), while Campbell needs to improve after overtime losses. Montreal’s defense vs. Toronto’s shots (average 25 per game) is key.
Other to Watch: Toronto’s Daryl Watts vs. Montreal’s Dara Greig (recent first PWHL goal). Special teams: Montreal’s 25% PP vs. Toronto’s 85% PK.
Betting Trends
Toronto Sceptres: 3-4 ATS overall, but 2-1 ATS on the road. 4-3 to the over, with recent games featuring comebacks. Strong as underdogs (2-0-1-0 this season), but 1-2 ATS in last three vs. Montreal.
Montreal Victoire: 4-2 ATS, 3-0 ATS at home. 3-3 to the under, reflecting strong defense (2.0 GAA). Undefeated at home and 3-0 vs. Toronto this season, covering in all.
Head-to-Head Trends: Montreal 3-0 this season, 6-7 overall. Under 4.5 has hit in 6 of last 10; Montreal covers as home favorite 60% of the time.
GAME ODDS
Toronto Sceptres 4.5
Montreal Victoire – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 27, 2025
