Kelly Pannek headlines Frost's quest for a Walter Cup three-peat

Driving the news: Pannek and the Frost's offensive machine — which averages a league-leading three goals per game — faces a best-of-five semifinal series against one of the PWHL's stingiest defenses, the Montréal Victoire.

Zoom in: Pannek has always been known for her defense and puck distribution — but this year, her goal-scoring took a leap forward.

• She led the league in goals this season, and also became the first player in the PWHL's short history to eclipse the 30-point scoring mark — meaning she averaged a goal or an assist per game.

Zoom out: With the Frost, Pannek has headlined the league's most prolific offense.

• Teammate Taylor Heise crossed the 30-point threshold shortly after Pannek did, and Britta Curl-Salemme finished the season with 29.

The other side: If there's a goaltender who can slow this machine, it's Montréal's Ann-Renée Desbiens, whose .955 save percentage leads the league.

• Plus: The Victoire's offense is led by Canadian national team star Marie-Philip Poulin, who was just reactivated after missing 10 games with an injury.

The intrigue: Montréal chose to play the Frost. Under the PWHL's playoff format, the top seed gets to decide whether to face the No. 3 seed (Minnesota) or the No. 4 seed.

• Last year, Montréal's choice backfired when then-No. 3-seeded Ottawa upended the Victoire in the semifinals.

What's next: Puck drop for Game 1 is at 2pm Saturday on Fox 9+.