On Tuesday, April 7, the Seattle Torrent took on the Montreal Victoire for the two teams’ third matchup of the 2025-26 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season. The Torrent won the first game in Seattle, while the Victoire took the second win in Montreal.
The Victoire were on the board first early in the second period, and then extended their lead with a power-play goal. The Torrent were on the board shortly after, but another goal from Montreal extended their lead. The Torrent tried to get back in the game, but an empty-net goal sealed the 4-1 win for the Victoire.
Schafzahl Nets Another With the Torrent
Nine minutes into the second period, a two-on-one ensued with Hilary Knight and Theresa Schafzahl. Knight had the puck on her stick and took a shot. Ann-Renee Desbiens made the initial save, but Knight picked up the rebound. She took another shot that Desbiens blocked. Schafzahl picked up the second rebound and scored to put the Torrent on the board.
This goal marked Schafzahl’s fourth of the season, her second with the Torrent. She was a late acquisition ahead of the trade deadline, when the Boston Fleet traded her to Seattle in exchange for forward Jessie Eldridge.
Schafzahl has been making her mark in Seattle. She already has five points in her six games with the team. The Torrent wanted to add some offense, and Schafzahl has already been making an impact. She and Knight played together in Boston for their first two seasons in the PWHL. Their previous connection adds to their chemistry now on Seattle’s top line.
Murphy Did Her Best
Hannah Murphy is still searching for her next win. She went on an incredible tear in her first three games with the Torrent, securing her wins by only allowing one goal in each. Since then, she has played in eight more games, and unfortunately, all have resulted in a loss.
In this game, Murphy made 21 saves on 24 shots for a save percentage (SV%) of .875. Her SV% for the season is still over .900, sitting at .909.
This is Murphy’s first season in the PWHL. Seattle drafted her in the second round of the 2025 Entry Draft. There are some growing pains that come with a rookie season, and although Murphy’s record isn’t stellar, she has still been a great goaltender for the Torrent this season.
Torrent Need a Miracle
The Torrent are currently on a three-game losing streak, with their last win being on March 25, when they beat the New York Sirens 4-1 in Chicago. Before that, their last win was on March 11, when they beat the Boston Fleet at Climate Pledge Arena.
Related: 3 Takeaways From Torrent’s 2-1 Shootout Loss to Sirens at MSG
After the expansion draft, many people thought Seattle was going to be a major offensive threat, and they were going to be number one in the league. As it is close to the end of the season, the Torrent currently sit in last place with only 23 points. Although there is a huge race for the fourth playoff spot, if the Torrent lose their next game, they will be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
This is a good and bad thing for the Torrent. It’s bad, because of course every team wants to compete for the Walter Cup. However, the good thing is that if they are eliminated, they are the first to begin competing for the Gold Plan. The Gold Plan is a way for the PHWL to keep teams competitive after they have been eliminated; every point they earn in the standings after being eliminated becomes a draft order point. In order to select first overall in the draft, a team will have to have the most points.
Considering the Torrent are likely to be the first team eliminated and the first to start racking up points, all signs are pointing to Seattle selecting first in the 2026 PWHL Entry Draft.
Torrent Have Second Half of a Back-to-Back
The Torrent will be back in action on Wednesday, April 8, when they take on the Ottawa Charge. The season series between the Torrent and the Victoire will conclude in Seattle on Saturday, April 25.
