Kristin O'Neill had a goal and an assist in helping lead Montreal to a 5-2 win over New York and clinch a playoff berth in the Professional Women's Hockey League on Wednesday.

The victory moved Montreal (9-3-5-5) into a tie for first place with Toronto. Each team has 38 points, with Toronto having a game in hand.

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Three teams are in contention for the top spot in the PWHL, which will give them the chance to pick their first-round playoff opponent between the third- and fourth-seeded teams.

A group of hockey players in white and blue jerseys celebrate on the ice.

PWHL Toronto defeated Montreal 3-2 in overtime on Saturday at the Bell Centre, thanks to a goal from Sarah Nurse.

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Iowa's Caitlin Clark gives autographs before the WNBA basketball draft, Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York.

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Catherine Daoust, Catherine Dubois, Laura Stacey and Melodie Daoust, with an empty-netter, also scored for Montreal. Ann-Renee Desbiens made 31 saves.

Marie-Philip Poulin picked up one assist to move past Toronto's Natalie Spooner for top spot in the PWHL scoring race with 22 points.

PWHL Montreal clinches playoff spot with victory over New York

Montreal defeats New York 5-2 and becomes the second PWHL to earn a playoff berth.

Laura Stacey celebrates as a goal as Montreal goes on to defeat New York 5-2 and clinches a PWHL playoff berth.

Montreal's Laura Stacey (7) celebrates her goal over New York followed by teammates Kristin O'Neill (43) and  Maureen Murphy (15)during second period PWHL hockey action in Montreal on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

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Ella Shelton and Alexandra Labelle, with a short-handed effort, scored for New York (3-4-3-11). Corinne Schroeder stopped 20 shots.

The loss eliminated New York from playoff contention in the six-team league.

New York failed to capitalize on its power play, coming up empty on three opportunities in the first period and finishing the game 0-for-5. Montreal was 2-for-4 with the extra player.

Montreal's Daoust scores from centre ice for 1st PWHL goal

Montreal defender Catherine Daoust's shot takes an unusual bounce off the glass and goes in for her first career PWHL goal.

Montreal defender Catherine Daoust, seen in this file photo from earlier this year, scored against New York for her first PWHL goal.

Catherine Daoust #4 of Montreal skates the puck during a PWHL game against Boston at the Verdun Auditorium on January 13, 2024.

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Montreal's Kristin O'Neill, second-left, celebrates her goal with teammates during a 5-2 victory over New York in Montreal on Wednesday.

O'Neill scores, assists as PWHL Montreal clinches playoff berth in win over New York

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