2025 PWHL Playoffs underway — Top performers and rising stars

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Both series are underway with one game in each already in the books. Toronto has home ice advantage against Minnesota. This is the second straight postseason where these two teams meet in the semifinals. Last season the Frost got the best of the Sceptres as they eliminated Toronto in five games before heading to the Walter Cup Final where they would become the league’s first Walter Cup Champions. Toronto is looking for revenge this season and are off to a great start as they defeated the defending champions 3-2 in Game 1. They will take the ice for Game 2 this Friday at 7 p.m. ET. 

Montreal earned the first seed after a successful regular season and had the option to choose their semifinal opponent between either Ottawa or Minnesota. The Victoire would select the Charge as their opponent with their sights set on bouncing back after a disappointing series loss to the Boston Fleet last season. Ottawa played spoiler in front of a sold out crowd in Montreal as the Charge picked up the win in their first playoff game thanks to goals from their captain Brianne Jenner and veteran Shiann Darkangelo. Game 2 will take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET.

When it comes to playoff hockey there’s a lot at stake. Every single goal, save and hit has an impact on how each game is decided. The playoffs are also where heroes are born. As the battle for the Walter Cup continues, here are five players to watch throughout the 2025 PWHL Playoffs.

Brianne Jenner — Ottawa Charge

Ottawa’s captain is a heck of a leader when she’s not on the scoresheet but she’s become a massive part of Ottawa’s success when she does show up on the scoresheet. During regular season games where Brianne Jenner has scored the Ottawa Charge have a 13-1 record. It didn’t take long for Jenner to make a difference for the Charge in their first-ever playoff game. Just under five minutes into Game 1, Jenner scored the franchise’s first playoff goal to take the first lead of the series. The Charge would go on to steal the first game of the series with a 2-1 win over the Victoire.

Brianne Jenner’s last playoff game before Game 1 in Montreal was the Clarkson Cup Final back in 2019 when she was a member of the Calgary Inferno in the CWHL. Jenner is a big-time player who thrives in big games. After making an impact in her team’s first game, I’d expect her to do the same as the series goes on.  

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Hannah Miller — Toronto Sceptres

When the Sceptres’ season began their leading goal scorer from last year was still on the LTIR. Without Natalie Spooner in the lineup Toronto needed big seasons from players like freshly signed Daryl Watts, Jesse Compher and Hannah Miller. All three did just that with Watts leading the team, Compher having a sneaky impressive sophomore season, and Hannah Miller being one of the best Toronto players on the ice for Toronto game in and game out.

In Toronto’s Game 1 victory over Minnesota Hannah Miller started the play that gave them their first lead of the night. Her forechecking and goal scoring abilities are massive for the Sceptres both at 5v5 and on the power play. You can count on Miller to bring her best for Toronto as the playoffs continue. 

Sophie Jaques — Minnesota Frost

Sophie Jaques has not received enough recognition for how incredible of a season she has had on Minnesota’s blueline. With 22 points in 25 games she was tied with Renata Fast in league scoring by defenders. She was ranked fifth in the PWHL in points per game among all skaters, and first among defenders. The former Patty Kazmaier Award winner also outscored her opponents 28-13 at 5v5 which was the best percentage among defenders.

After coming to Minnesota in a trade last season from Boston, Jaques helped the Frost to a Walter Cup. She continues to get better and better every time she takes the ice and will look to elevate her game in this year’s playoffs. 

Laura Stacey — Montreal Victoire

Montreal’s top line is one of the best — if not the best — first lines in the PWHL. With Marie-Philip Poulin centering Jennifer Gardiner and Laura Stacey, they’re a tough trio to keep the puck out of the net. A lot of Montreal’s goal-scoring runs through their top players and Laura Stacey is their second best player for good reason. 

With 22 points in the regular season, Laura Stacey will play a massive role for Montreal as they look to make a deep playoff run. She has a tendency to score big goals, especially in overtime. She scored the game winner in overtime for the Markham Thunder of the CWHL in the 2018 Clarkson Cup Final. Laura Stacey lives for big moments and I believe the 2025 PWHL Playoffs will be another example of that.