The Minnesota Frost faced off against the Montreal La Victoire in a highly anticipated opening match of the 2026 LPHF playoffs on May 2 at the Place Bell. This game marked their first ever playoff encounter, despite both teams having participated in previous league postseasons.
Key Team Statistics
As the postseason commenced:
- Montreal La Victoire: 16 wins, 6 losses, 2 overtime losses, totaling 62 points.
- Minnesota Frost: 13 wins, 3 losses, 5 overtime losses, totaling 50 points.
Leading Players
- Montreal Top Scorer: Abby Roque, with 22 points in 29 games.
- Minnesota Top Scorer: Kelly Pannek, leading with 33 points in 30 games.
Playoff Dynamics
The playoff format sees a best-of-five series, and the La Victoire have historically performed exceptionally against the Frost. They have won 11 out of 15 meetings, specifically dominating in their last six encounters since March 2025.
Season Performance
- Montreal’s record against Minnesota this season was 4-0.
- The La Victoire has maintained an impressive shot average of 29.8 per game, ranking third in league history.
- Montreal has a strong home record, displaying resilience at the Place Bell.
Notable Players and Their Contributions
Marie-Philip Poulin, the captain of La Victoire, returned just in time for the playoffs and has been instrumental in their scoring. She has accumulated five points in three meetings against Minnesota this season.
On the other hand, Kendall Coyne Schofield, the Frost’s captain, recorded three points in their direct clashes, showing her vital role in the team’s performance. Both teams will rely heavily on these players’ prowess as the playoffs unfold.
Goalkeeping Records
Ann-Renée Desbiens of Montreal has excelled in goal, achieving a league-high 19 wins along with a stellar goals-against average of 0.73 this season.
The Atmosphere and Future Matches
The playoffs are generating excitement throughout Montreal, with the city supporting their teams across various leagues. The La Victoire aims for the coveted Walter Cup, enhancing fan engagement with events and festive atmospheres.
As the series progresses, the next matches will take place on May 5 in Montreal and then return to Minnesota on May 7 for Game 3.
