3 Takeaways From Victoire’s 2-1 Game 3 Win Over Frost – The Hockey Writers – Montreal Victoire

On Thursday, May 7, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) semifinals playoff series between the Minnesota Frost and the Montreal Victoire made its way to Grand Casino Arena. Heading into Game 3, this series was tied with each team earning a win.

The game started off fast, with the Frost scoring their first goal just three minutes in. Although the Victoire were down by a goal after 20 minutes, they tied the game just four and a half minutes into the middle frame. Just 24 seconds later, Montreal was up by two goals. With no change in score for the rest of the game, Montreal took Game 3 with a 2-1 win. They now lead the semifinals, 2-1.

Scamurra Woke Up Her Team in the Second Period 

Despite the fact the Victoire were down by a goal after the first frame, this didn’t slow the team down. 

Four minutes into the middle frame, Hayley Scamurra had the puck in the Victoire’s zone and dropped it down to Maggie Flaherty. She skated it up to the net and took a shot. Maddie Rooney made the initial save, but Flaherty picked up the loose puck. Skating it around the back of the net, she attempted a wraparound shot and scored to tie the game. 

Seconds later, Scamurra won a puck battle by the boards against the Frost. She took the puck to the faceoff circle and fired a tough-angle shot into the wide-open space Rooney allowed to give the Victoire the lead. 

These goals were both Flaherty’s and Scamurra’s first of the 2026 Playoffs. With her assist on Flaherty’s goal, Scamurra now has two points in the postseason. The Frost might have had an early lead, but Scamurra’s efforts made sure the Victoire positioned themselves for a strong win. 

Victoire Kept Special Teams Strong 

As is typical between these two teams, the game got chippy and physical. The Victoire received 16 penalty minutes while the Frost had six. The Victoire gave the Frost eight chances to score on the extra-player advantage, including a six-on-four chance in the final 19 seconds of the game. Montreal kept their penalty kill in check and denied the Frost all eight of these chances. 

The Ottawa Charge currently have the best penalty kill in the playoffs, with a perfect 100% success rate. The Victoire are not far behind them at 92.9%. This could be the difference maker for the Victoire as the series continues. They need to keep their special teams strong to ensure their run in the playoffs continues. 

Montreal Now Leads the Series

This game had huge stakes for both teams. Heading into Game 3, both the Victoire and the Frost had a win under their belts. Minnesota won Game 1 in Montreal while the Victoire won Game 2. With Game 3 and Game 4 on the line, the two teams traveled to Minnesota to keep the series rolling. With this knowledge, one might assume that the Frost would have a better performance on home ice. However, as it turns out, the Victoire were the victors this time around. 

At the end of the day, anything can happen. The two teams will still play Game 4, and it’s anyone’s chance to win it. Both teams will return stronger and ready for the win. Since the Victoire have the advantage in the series, though, Montreal will make sure they do everything in their power to end it here. 

The Victoire have the chance to do something that no team has done in the prior two seasons: knock the Frost out of the playoffs. Minnesota is the reigning Walter Cup champion two seasons in a row. Of course, they want to go for their third, but if Montreal continues to play as they have in this series, there’s a chance there could be a Walter Cup Finals series that doesn’t include the Frost. 

Quick Turn Around for Game 4

With so much riding on Game 4, the Frost and Victoire don’t have to wait long to battle it out. Game 4 will be played on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 PM CT. The two teams have less than 24 hours to wait until they are facing off against one another again.