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The PWHL Playoffs: A Look Ahead
As the PWHL playoffs loom on the horizon, the post-season picture is beginning to take shape. With only four games left in the regular season, two playoff spots are still up for grabs, and the battle for the No. 1 seed is heating up.
Playoff Picture
Toronto and Montreal have secured their spots in the post-season, setting the stage for a showdown to determine the top seed in the standings. Meanwhile, New York finds itself on the outside looking in, the only team officially eliminated from playoff contention.
No. 1 Seed Race
Toronto and Montreal are currently tied at the top of the standings with 41 points apiece. With home-ice advantage for the semi-finals already secured, the question now is which team will clinch the No. 1 seed. Toronto holds a slight edge with one more regulation win than Montreal, but the race is far from over. A pivotal matchup between Toronto and Minnesota could decide the top seed, with Montreal still in the running depending on the outcome.
Minnesota’s Playoff Push
Minnesota finds itself on the brink of clinching a playoff spot despite a recent losing streak. With two games left in the regular season, Minnesota needs just one point to secure their post-season berth. However, they must be wary of a scenario where two losses could spell disaster for their playoff hopes.
NY Secures Top Draft Pick
New York’s win over Ottawa not only earned them a Gold Plan victory but also secured them the top pick in the upcoming PWHL draft. The team’s adoption of the Gold Plan has given them something to play for even after being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
Ottawa’s Playoff Push
Ottawa finds themselves in a tie for fourth place with Boston, with both teams vying for a playoff spot. Ottawa holds the tiebreaker based on regulation wins and will look to secure their spot in the post-season with a strong finish against Toronto.
Remaining Schedule
- Wednesday, May 1: Minnesota @ Toronto, 7 p.m. ET
- Saturday, May 4: Minnesota @ New York, 1 p.m. ET; Montreal @ Boston, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 5: Ottawa @ Toronto, 7 p.m. ET
Playoff Start Date
The PWHL playoffs are set to kick off on May 8, with Toronto and Montreal having already secured home-ice advantage for their respective series. Toronto will be hosting their games at Coca-Cola Coliseum, while Montreal will take the ice at Place Bell.
The playoff schedule has been announced as follows:
- Wednesday, May 8: Toronto vs TBD, Game 1 (7:00 p.m. ET)
- Thursday, May 9: Montreal vs TBD, Game 1 (7:00 p.m. ET)
- Friday, May 10: Toronto vs TBD, Game 2 (7:00 p.m. ET)
- Saturday, May 11: Montreal vs TBD, Game 2 (7:00 p.m. ET)
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