The Montreal Victoire have just secured something that could prove to be their most valuable asset in the playoffs. After Nicole Gosling’s overtime winner against Boston on Thursday night extended Montreal’s win streak to seven games, the Victoire locked down a top-two finish with just two regular season games remaining and home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

For most teams, home ice advantage is simply a scheduling perk. For Montreal, it might be so much more.

Montreal has transformed Place Bell in Laval into something approaching an impregnable fortress. They have already posted a remarkable 10–1 home record this season with points in all 11 home games. They became the first team in PWHL history to reach 10 home wins in a single season and their overall home record at Place Bell stands at an imposing 22–5–1.

Place Bell has an atmosphere of its own

But statistics alone don’t capture what makes this venue so formidable.

“Every single night here, we all talk about it at pre-game skate like we’re back home, we can’t wait to go to Place Bell,” said alternate captain Laura Stacey. “Every player who joins the organization knows that when you get to play here, it’s really something special.”

Even opponents acknowledge the intimidating atmosphere. Seattle’s Mikyla Grant-Mentis, who spent parts of two seasons in Montreal before leaving in free agency, returned to a sold-out building this season that she described with genuine admiration: “I love Montreal. The fans, they’re one of a kind, and it’s nice to listen to the music that really buzzes through you the entire time.”

A PWHL player poll published earlier this year featured comments from opposing players stating it was “too loud” or felt like an “EDM concert.”

The arena features a DJ booth in the northwest corner. The crowd, with a notably high proportion of female fans, generates organic energy without relying heavily on traditional arena prompts. One visiting fan described it as having “a bit of a European vibe”, passionate supporters who don’t need to be told when to cheer.

The Victoire is having a record-setting run on home ice

Montreal’s penalty kill at home has been absolutely ruthless operating at a staggering 97.5% efficiency when defending their home ice. They’ve allowed just one goal in 43 shorthanded situations at Place Bell this season.

This season is Montreal’s third shot at the Walter Cup and the hunger is just right. After watching Minnesota lift the trophy twice, the Victoire have built what head coach Kori Cheverie calls “an experienced team” that understands exactly what home ice advantage means.

“It’s crucial,” Cheverie told the media when asked about securing the top spot. “We certainly talk about it as a staff. It’s not something that we talk about with the girls. They understand the magnitude of it, especially with having an experienced team that we do.”

Montreal currently sits atop the standings with 60 points, two points ahead of Boston with two games remaining. Wth home ice secured for at least the first round, the Victoire will host Games 1, 2, and if necessary, five of their semifinal series.

Montreal could also get to choose their playoff opponent

If they finish as the number one seed, Montreal will have 24 hours after the regular season concludes to choose between facing the third or fourth-place team in the semifinals. Boston, if locked into second place, will face whoever Montreal doesn’t select.

Currently, Minnesota has clinched third place with 49 points, while Ottawa holds the fourth spot with 36 points. Toronto (34 points) and New York (34 points) are making desperate pushes in the final week to steal that last playoff position.

Montreal’s choice will be fascinating. Do they select Minnesota,  the back-to-back champions who’ve proven lethal in the playoffs despite lower seeding, or do they opt for the team that emerges from the battle for fourth?

Notably, the number one seed has lost in the first round both previous seasons with Toronto and Montreal both falling after choosing their opponents.

The home ice paradox

While they dominated during the regular season at Place Bell, Montreal’s playoff record at the venue is not as spectacular with going 1–4 in postseason games at their primary home.

Last season, Montreal finished first and selected Ottawa as their semifinal opponent. Despite the regular season success at home, Ottawa eliminated them 3–1 in a series that featured one of the longest games in PWHL history with a quadruple-overtime thriller that lasted until 15:33 into the fourth extra period.

Can this season be different? The Victoire now face the ultimate test in proving their home ice can be a fortress when it matters most.