Frost return to playoffs to defend PWHL title

There's another Minnesota team with playoff fever this spring: the Frost.

State of play: The reigning Professional Women's Hockey League champs open their best-of-five semifinal series Wednesday night against the Toronto Sceptres.

Catch up quick: The Frost had to claw their way into the postseason after losing nine of 13 games down the stretch — but Minnesota won two crucial games to close the regular season and clinch a playoff spot.

By the numbers: Minnesota led the PWHL in scoring thanks to their offensive depth.

• The Frost had a league-leading five players who scored at least eight goals this season: Kendall Coyne Schofield, Taylor Heise, Michela Cava, Britta Curl-Salemme and Brooke McQuigge.

The other side: The Sceptres are led by captain Blayre Turnbull and fellow Canadian national team pillars Daryl Watts; and Renata Fast, who co-led all PWHL defenders in scoring this year.

• The other co-leader: Minnesota defender Sophie Jaques.

What we're watching: How Minnesota's goaltending tandem holds up.

• Maddie Rooney and Nicole Hensley's save percentages ranked last and second-last in the league, respectively, among goalies who played at least 600 minutes.

What's next: Puck drop for Game 1 in Toronto is at 6pm Wednesday. FanDuel Sports North and YouTube will show the game.

• The Frost return home for Game 3 on Sunday at 5pm.