Minnesota Frost storm back vs. Montreal Victoire, forcing Game 5 in PWHL semifinals
The Minnesota Frost avoided elimination with a 3-1 comeback win against the Montreal Victoire on Friday night in Game 4 of the PWHL’s semifinals. Montreal forward Maureen Murphy opened the scoring 41 minutes into another tight contest. But defender Sidney Morin had other plans, scoring two goals in under four minutes to help the Frost force a deciding Game 5 back in Montreal.
Kelly Pannek, the league’s leading scorer of the regular season, scored with the net empty to seal the win. Morin’s second goal of the night – scored on the power play after Laura Stacey was called for roughing – would prove to be the game-winner. Maddie Rooney, playing on back-to-back nights, was stellar again making 29 saves on 30 shots.
The Minnesota Frost are now 5-0 when facing elimination in the playoffs. Sidney Morin plays hero (again) After Minnesota lost four critical pieces to its blue line in the offseason – Claire Thompson, Sophie Jaques and Mellissa Channell-Watkins signed with expansion Vancouver; Maggie Flaherty signed in Montreal – the Frost went out and signed Sidney Morin from the Boston Fleet. “Our staff had identified Sidney Morin as a top target heading into the signing period,” said general manager Melissa Caruso back in June.
“She’s a reliable defender whose work ethic and offensive abilities will complement our D-core perfectly. ” Morin played a consistent role on the Frost blue line, but failed to score in her first regular season in Minnesota. The playoffs have been a different story.
Morin’s four goals through four games ties her career goal total through 84 regular season games and now leads the postseason. She has now scored three of Minnesota’s last four goals in a rare playoff back-to-back and scored a critical goal in Minnesota’s 5-4 overtime victory in Game 1. Much of Minnesota’s regular season was about their stars.