For the first time since the current playoff format was introduced in 2015-16, both semifinal series went to three games this year.
The fourth-seed Toronto Furies upset the league-leading Calgary Inferno in Game 1 on Friday, before the Inferno pulled away with two consecutive wins. For their part, Les Canadiennes
It seemed like a good idea at the time.
Following Montreal's last practice ahead of the CWHL semifinals, a handful of players decided to bring their skates in to a favorite spot for a little pre-series prep work. One volunteered to make the trip on everyone's behalf, which is how
This year's playoff race came down to the very last game, when the Toronto Furies won their fifth straight contest to secure the final berth in a tie-breaker over the Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays (the first tie-break was regulation and overtime wins).
Throughout the week, the Calgary Inferno swept the
Shenzhen took two wins in three games against the visiting Toronto Furies this week, while the Calgary Inferno split with Les Canadiennes de Montréal to clinch home-ice advantage for the playoffs and the Markham Thunder swept the Worcester Blades.
In the first week back after the winter break, Les Canadiennes de Montréal swept the Toronto Furies, the Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays swept their season series against the Worcester Blades, and the Calgary Inferno won both matches against the Markham Thunder to maintain top spot in the standings.
