3 Takeaways From Frost’s 2-1 Loss to Victoire in Game 5

On Tuesday, May 12, the Montreal Victoire hosted the Minnesota Frost for Game 5 of their Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) semifinals series. Since both teams had two previous wins in the best-of-five series, this game was do-or-die for the Frost and the Victoire.

The game kicked off in the Victoire’s favor, as they scored the first goal 12 minutes into the first period. About halfway into the second, the Frost tied it up, and each team had a goal heading into the third period. The Frost took a penalty early in the third, and the Victoire capitalized on this, scoring a power-play goal to take the lead back. This was the last goal scored in the game, which caused the Frost to fall to the Victoire 2-1, eliminating Minnesota from the playoffs. 

Cogan Scored Her First Playoff Goal

Although the Frost were down by one in the second period, they put in the work to even the score. Britta Curl stole the puck from the Victoire and skated it into the Frost’s zone. She passed it across the ice for Abby Hustler, who was up near the net. She had Sam Cogan on her wing and passed the puck to her. She took a shot, which went through Ann-Renee Desbiens’ legs to tie the game. 

Cogan played in the first season of the PWHL with the Toronto Sceptres. She played in 23 games and scored two goals. For the 2024-25 season, she remained with the team but didn’t play a single game. In order to play hockey again, she competed overseas in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL). On March 26, Cogan signed a reserve player contract with the Frost. She played six regular-season games and didn’t record a point. 

Just because she didn’t record a point doesn’t mean she wasn’t doing anything on the ice. She helped eat minutes to make sure the top six players were well rested to get back out there. In the playoffs, Cogan had two points after she recorded an assist on Sidney Morin’s goal in Game 4. 

Cogan was a secret weapon for the Frost in the playoffs and pulled her weight throughout the semifinal series. Even though she joined the team late in the season, Cogan managed to perform well and immediately mesh with the roster. As the league expands and allows for more roster spots, Cogan could potentially see a permanent spot in the PWHL come the 2026-27 season. 

Postponed Game Hurt the Frost

The Frost and the Victoire were supposed to face off in Game 5 the day prior, on May 11. This game was postponed due to illness circulating within the Victoire team. The extra day of rest might have helped the Frost come out stronger in this game, but it helped Montreal more in the end. 

There is no denying the Frost still looked strong. Maddie Rooney looked incredible as she stopped 15 of 17 shots, earning her a save percentage (SV%) of .882. She recorded her highest SV% in her postseason career, .921. 

Every player on this Frost team put in the effort to tie the game. Cogan scored the goal, Rooney was excellent in net, Lee Stecklein spent the most time on the ice at 27:55, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough. 

Frost Cannot Compete for Third Straight Championship

This is a first for the Frost in their three seasons in the PWHL; they will not be competing in the Walter Cup Finals. Minnesota won the Walter Cup in the first two seasons and was primed to make a run for their third straight championship. Even though the Frost will not be competing in the Walter Cup Finals this season, there is no denying the strong legacy they have already solidified within the PWHL. 

Frost Still Had a Strong Season

Despite their elimination in the semifinals, there is no denying that the Frost had a strong season. They placed third overall in the regular season and forced a Game 5 in the semifinals between the first overall team. Even though they don’t get to compete for the Walter Cup for the third straight season, the Frost should still be proud of how they ended 2025-26. Now, it’s time to regroup and get ready for the 2026-27 season.