A dramatic final day of the PWHL regular season set the playoff stage, with four teams now battling for the prestigious Walter Cup. The Montreal Victoire, top seed and regular-season champions, chose the Ottawa Charge as their first-round opponent, citing proximity and a favorable season record. Meanwhile, the defending champion Minnesota Frost will face the Toronto Sceptres in a high-stakes rematch of last year’s intense first-round clash.
Ottawa clinched its first-ever playoff spot with a 2-1 overtime win over Toronto, while Minnesota punched its ticket with a dominant 8-1 victory over Boston, eliminating the Fleet. With teams three through five tied at 44 points, regulation wins determined the standings.
Montreal, led by league top scorer Marie-Philip Poulin and bolstered by star goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens, aims to improve on last season’s heartbreaking OT exits. Ottawa, under rookie goalie Gwyneth Philips and supported by players like Kateřina Mrázová and Brianne Jenner, enters as the underdog with gritty momentum.
Toronto, dealing with injury recoveries to stars like Natalie Spooner and Sarah Nurse, leans on power-play leader Renata Fast and goaltender Kristen Campbell. Minnesota counters with a deep, experienced roster including Taylor Heise and Kendall Coyne Schofield, and a strong defensive lineup.
The playoffs begin Wednesday with Toronto vs. Minnesota at 7 p.m. ET, followed by Montreal vs. Ottawa on Thursday.
Source: Swifteradio.com
