What's Happening?
Lina Ljungblom's decisive shootout goal led the Montreal Victoire to a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Torrent in the final game of the regular season, securing the No. 1 seed in the Walter Cup playoffs for the second consecutive year. The game, held in Seattle,
saw the Victoire finish the season with 62 points, tied with Boston but holding the tiebreaker advantage. Abby Roque contributed to Montreal's lead with a power-play goal in the second period, while Ann-Renée Desbiens made 23 saves. The Torrent, despite a goal from Alex Carpenter that tied the game in the third period, ended the season with the fewest points in the PWHL, missing the chance to secure the top pick in the 2026 PWHL entry draft, which will go to Vancouver. The match also marked the return of Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin and Maureen Murphy from injuries.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for the Montreal Victoire as it not only secures their top seed position in the playoffs but also demonstrates their consistent performance in the league. Securing the No. 1 seed allows Montreal to choose their first-round opponent, giving them a strategic advantage. For the Seattle Torrent, the loss highlights their struggles this season, finishing with the fewest points in the league. This outcome affects their draft position, as they miss out on the first overall pick, which could have been a pivotal opportunity to strengthen their roster. The game also set a season-high attendance for the Torrent, indicating strong local support despite the team's challenges.
What's Next?
As the playoffs approach, the Montreal Victoire will decide between facing the third-seeded Minnesota or the fourth-seeded Ottawa in the first round. This decision will be crucial as they aim to capitalize on their top seed advantage. For the Seattle Torrent, the focus will shift to the off-season and the upcoming draft, where they will look to rebuild and improve their performance for the next season. The return of key players like Poulin and Murphy for Montreal could also play a significant role in their playoff success.
