In the PWHL, the Montreal Victoire and Vancouver Goldeneyes solidified their positions for the upcoming playoffs and draft. The Victoire, finishing first in the standings, chose to face the Minnesota Frost, the two-time defending champions, in the first round starting Saturday. Montreal’s selection came after they secured the top seed with a recent win against the Seattle Torrent. The Goldeneyes, despite being eliminated from playoff contention, earned the first overall pick in the upcoming entry draft by accumulating Gold Plan points through their victories. This year’s playoffs will feature four teams, with Montreal’s decision also influencing the opponent of the second-place Boston Fleet, ensuring a tougher matchup for them.
Why It Matters
The decision by Montreal to select Minnesota as their playoff opponent reflects strategic considerations in a competitive league. Historically, the Victoire have struggled against the Frost in past matchups, which adds further intrigue to this series. Vancouver’s ability to secure the top pick in the entry draft highlights the importance of performance even when teams are out of playoff contention, as they can still shape their future by accumulating points. Caroline Harvey, projected as the top draft pick, brings significant accolades and experience, which could alter the competitive landscape in the PWHL moving forward.
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