Montreal Chooses Ottawa Setting PWHL Playoff Match Ups
The first place Montreal Victoire made their official playoff pick for their opening round opponent choosing the Ottawa Charge.
It's a rule in the PWHL that the first overall team can select from the third and fourth place finishers, choosing who they'd like to play first.
'Ever since the league implemented this rule in the first year, we had discussed how we would reflect about the decision if we ever had the privilege to finish a season in first place, and we have stuck to this plan," said Montréal Victoire General Manager, Danièle Sauvageau. "We followed our process, we had thoughtful discussions, and we kept our emotions out of the decision making, which will give us a series close to home."
Montreal outscored Ottawa 15-12 this season and won the season series 4-2. Ottawa however, won their final two games of the season against Montreal.
Montreal's choice was between the third seed Charge and the fourth place Minnesota Frost. Logistically, playing Ottawa gives Montreal more rest and shorter travel. Minnesota and Ottawa finished tied in the standings with 44 points each, but Ottawa finished third on account of having more regulation wins than Minnesota.
Montreal had an identical 4-2 record against Minnesota this season as well.
Last year the Toronto Sceptres chose the Minnesota Frost, this season they had the Frost chosen for them. Finishing first in year one, the Sceptres chose the Frost for their opening round opponents, but ended up losing in five games.
Minnesota went on to win the inaugural Walter Cup title.
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