Minnesota Frost Force Game 5 (2-2)

The Montréal Victoire traveled to Grand Casino Arena on May 8, 2026 where they faced the Minnesota Frost in Game 4 of the 2026 PWHL Walter Cup Playoffs (semifinals). Read about how the Minnesota Frost tied the series, 2-2, and forced Game 5 after making a huge comeback when it mattered the most. 

Game 4 | Friday, May 8, 2026 | Minnesota Frosts 3, Montréal Victoire 1

The first period ended with a scoreless standstill, 0-0, despite both teams ending with 12 shots on goal. In regards to special teams, all power play units continued to struggle against each other’s strong penalty kill units which remained undefeated after twenty minutes of regulation. 

Similar to the first twenty minutes of regulation, the second period ended with a score of 0-0 despite the Montréal Victoire having a couple more scoring chances than the Minnesota Frost (9 SOG vs. 7 SOG). When looking at special teams, the Minnesota Frost got their chance on the man-advantage during the second period but were unable to generate any goals against Montréal Victoire’s goaltender, #35 Ann-Renée Desbiens, and their undefeated penalty kill unit.

After a scoreless first and second period, #21 Maureen Murphy opened up the last period of regulation which gave the Montréal Victoire their first lead of Game 4 (1-0). Unwilling to go down easy, the Minnesota Frost regrouped and tied the game, 1-1, after #5 Sidney Morin scored about halfway through the period. The Minnesota Frost were able to gain their first lead when #5 Sidney Morin capitalized on one of their two power play opportunities (2-1). Down by one, the Montréal Victoire fought hard to tie the game and eventually made the decision to remove their goalie so they could have the man-advantage during the final minutes of regulation. Unfortunately for the Montréal Victoire, their last push was not enough as the Minnesota Frost secured a 3-1 win with an empty net goal scored by #12 Kelly Pannek late in the period. This vital win for the Minnesota Frost would not have been possible without the outstanding in net performance of #35 Maddie Rooney who saved 29 out of 30 shots on goal by the end of this game. The Montréal Victoire’s loss does not take away from the commendable goaltending performance of #35 Ann-Renée Desbiens who saved 28 out of 30 shots on goal. With another win under their belt, the Minnesota Frost’s playoff run has been extended after they forced Game 5 in this series. 

Points Leaders and Goaltending Stats

Minnesota Frost

• Points leaders: #5 Sidney Morin (2G) and #12 Kelly Pannek (1G, 1A) all ended this game with 2 points recorded

• Goals leader: #5 Sidney Morin (2G) scored two Minnesota Frost goals 

• Assists leaders: #21 Mae Batherson  (2A) assisted two goals 

• Goaltending: #35 Maddie Rooney saved 29 out of 30 shots on goal

Montréal Victoire

• Points leaders: #16 Hayley Scamurra (1A) and #21 Maureen Murphy (1G) ended this game with 1 point recorded

• Goals leader: #21 Maureen Murphy (1G) scored the only Montréal Victoire goal of this game 

• Assists leaders: #16 Hayley Scamurra (1A) assisted the only Montréal Victoire goal of this game

• Goaltending: #35 Ann-Renée Desbiens saved 28 out of 30 shots on goal  

Overall Stats

• The Minnesota Frost outscored the Montréal Victoire (3G vs. 1G)

• The Minnesota Frost outshot the Montréal Victoire (31 SOG vs. 30 SOG)

• The Minnesota Frost had a higher power play success rate (33.3% vs. 0%) 

• The Minnesota Frost had a higher penalty kill success rate (100% vs. 66.7%)

SUMMARY: The Minnesota Frost’s overall ability to capitalize on their scoring chances and their success with their special teams ultimately gave them the edge they needed to win and force Game 5. 

Advancing to the finals all comes down to one final showdown between these two gutsy teams. Looking at the overall stats of this series, both teams have scored 8 goals and have 126 shots on goal. The Montréal Victoire do have an advantage over the Minnesota Frost when it comes to special teams as they have a higher total power play (18.2% vs. 11.8%) and total penalty kill success rate (88.2% vs. 91.2%). The vital win may come down to goaltending and whoever can capitalize on their goal scoring chances. One thing that will be guaranteed is that these teams will fight tooth-and-nail during this final game of this series.  

Below are the next scheduled match-up and where to watch them:

Monday, May 11, 2026 (Game 5)

• The Minnesota Frost will face the Montréal Victoire on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM EDT. This game will take place at the Place Bell

  • Watch on Prime Video Canada, Scripps Sports Network, Fox 9+, PWHL YouTube Channel

Stay tuned for the next recap of the 2026 PWHL Walter Cup Playoffs!