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Toronto and Montreal Set to Clash in PWHL Action
When Toronto faces off against Montreal on Saturday in PWHL action, more than just a new attendance record will be at stake. Both teams have the opportunity to secure a playoff spot in the first season of the six-team league.
Toronto’s Playoff Scenarios
Toronto currently sits in first place and can clinch a playoff berth with a single point from the upcoming game. Even a loss in overtime or a shootout will secure their ticket. Additionally, if Boston fails to defeat New York in regulation in the second game on Saturday, Toronto will still punch their ticket to the playoffs.
Montreal’s Playoff Scenarios
Montreal, currently in third place just two points behind Toronto, can secure their playoff spot by defeating Toronto in any fashion and New York besting Boston as well. A regulation win for Montreal along with Boston earning two points or fewer against New York will also seal the deal.
Despite the playoff implications, the game at the Bell Centre is expected to break the attendance record for women’s hockey. With a capacity of 21,000, the Bell Centre is set to host this historic event after the previous record of 19,285 attendees was set at Scotiabank Arena two months ago in a showdown between Toronto and Montreal.
Marie-Philip Poulin of Montreal expressed her excitement, stating, “Being able to be in that historic moment here at the Bell Centre is going to be unbelievable. In terms of women’s hockey being able to fill that ice is going to be surreal.”
Although Toronto has emerged victorious in all four previous meetings between the two teams this season, Montreal’s recent come-from-behind 4-3 win over Minnesota has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Minnesota, currently in second place, also has a chance to clinch a playoff spot. A regulation win in their game against Ottawa on Saturday evening will secure their place. Alternatively, a victory in overtime or a shootout along with Boston earning two points or less against New York could also lead to a playoff berth. Even with just a single point, combined with Boston’s defeat in any fashion, Minnesota could still secure a place in the playoffs.
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