The PWHL's Montreal Victoire became the first team this season to clinch a playoff berth. The Victoire locked down their spot in the postseason with a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Frost on the road.

“It's nice for sure. It was definitely an objective of ours that we have now achieved," said Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie of securing a playoff spot. "We can celebrate it and enjoy it tonight. And then for our group, we just continue to push forward and continue to focus on what's next, and that comes back to our process and how we want to approach each game."

Dynamic Duo Leads The Way

Laura Stacey scored two goals and two assists, while Marie-Philip Poulin had two goals and an assist to lead the way for the Montreal Victoire. The dynamic duo were in on each of Montreal's goals solving Minnesota netminder Maddie Rooney who made 13 saves on the night.

At the other end of the ice, Elaine Chuli continued her strong play while Ann-Renee Desbiens rehabs from an injury suffered last week. Chuli made 19 saves in the win. In particular, facing late pressure, Chuli made several key saves in the third period.

“It was huge. I think at that point in the game, having your goaltender be able to back you up and make a save like that," said Laura Stacey of Montreal's netminder. "All of us on the bench couldn't believe it. It's huge for our team. Every single person tonight was willing to do their job and go above and beyond. It was a huge save at a very important time that led to a lot of great things happening for us after, and that was a big one for us and for her, and we definitely let her know it.” 

Minnesota's Playoff Hopes Suffer Another Blow

The Ottawa Charge opened more than a door, they opened a massive chasm for the Minnesota Frost to step into and claim a spot in the playoffs.

Instead, Minnesota closed that chasm, and handed put Ottawa's fate back into their hands. Minnesota currently holds the fourth and final playoff spot with 35 points and four games remaining. Ottawa has 33 points on the season with a game in hand.

"These are crucial points coming at the end of the year, we know that," said Minnesota head coach Ken Klee. "We had a chance to tie the game 2-2, we had a backdoor play that we hit a one-timer and their goalie makes a good save, and then of course it goes the other way and they have a shot-rebound and they found a way to bury pucks. It was a good hockey game and we would like to create more chances, but I certainly liked that we kept it under 17 shots but at the end of the day it’s about points, and we have to figure out ways to get points.”