PWHL Game Preview: Montreal Victoire (3-1-0-1) vs. Seattle Torrent (2-0-1-2)

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The Montréal Victoire (3-1-0-1) visit the Seattle Torrent (2-0-1-2) in a PWHL inter-conference matchup that pits Montréal’s hot streak against Seattle’s home-ice advantage. Montréal has won four straight games, including a 4-2 victory over Vancouver on December 20, showcasing strong goaltending from Sandra Abstreiter and timely scoring from Dara Greig. Seattle, coming off a 3-1 loss to Boston on December 21, has been inconsistent but boasts a potent attack led by Hilary Knight. This is the first meeting between these teams in the 2025-26 season, with no prior head-to-head in the young league’s history. Expect a defensive battle where Montréal’s balanced lineup (11 points, second in PWHL) tests Seattle’s depth (estimated 8 points, fifth place), potentially decided by special teams—Montréal’s power play (estimated 15.4%) vs. Seattle’s penalty kill—and goaltending, with both teams allowing under 2.5 goals per game in recent wins.

Venue Location

Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA. This 18,680-seat venue has hosted Seattle’s home games with strong attendance, drawing over 16,000 for their debut, and provides a lively atmosphere for PWHL events.

Puckdrop is set for 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET). The game will be streamed on PWHL YouTube and broadcast regionally, with radio on local sports networks.

Injury Report

Both teams have dealt with absences, but Montréal’s LTIR placements have impacted forward depth more significantly. Reports as of December 22 evening.

Montréal Victoire:

Out: Jade Downie-Landry (undisclosed – LTIR since November training camp injury, expected return unclear), Alexandra Labelle (undisclosed – LTIR, activated another player in February but still out).

Questionable/Probable: No day-to-day reported; the team is managing with recalls.

Notable Notes: Downie-Landry’s injury depletes secondary scoring; Labelle’s absence limits forward options, forcing more from Laura Stacey and Dara Greig.

Seattle Torrent:

Out: Jenna Buglioni (upper body – injured on December 21 vs. Boston, missed rest of game, status week-to-week).

Questionable/Probable: No others listed; the team is otherwise healthy.

Notable Notes: Buglioni’s injury from a hit affects forward physicality; Julia Gosling and Anna Wilgren step up in her absence.

Montréal’s longer-term injuries give Seattle a slight edge in lineup stability.

Player Matchups

Montréal’s veteran core faces Seattle’s emerging talent, with goaltending and special teams likely key in a low-event game.

Laura Stacey (MTL) vs. Julia Gosling (SEA): Stacey (11 points estimated, strong in wins) brings playmaking against Gosling (recent goal vs. Vancouver). Stacey’s faceoff work controls possession, but Gosling’s two-way play exploits Montréal’s depleted forwards.

Dara Greig (MTL) vs. Anna Wilgren (SEA): Greig (first PWHL goal vs. Vancouver) faces Wilgren’s defensive reads (assist in recent games). Greig’s creativity tests Seattle’s perimeter, while Wilgren’s blocking exploits Montréal’s weak PK.

Sandra Abstreiter (MTL) vs. Abbey Levy (SEA): Abstreiter (first start since March, strong vs. Vancouver) faces Levy (26 saves vs. Boston). Abstreiter’s agility keeps Montréal competitive, but Levy’s form (.900 SV% estimated) limits shots.

Other Key Battles: Jenn Gardiner (MTL, 13 points) vs. Alex Carpenter (SEA, assist vs. Vancouver); Dominika Lásková (MTL D) vs. Hilary Knight (SEA scorer).

Seattle’s depth could overwhelm Montréal’s injury-hit group.

Recent Team Forms

Montréal is on a four-game win streak, while Seattle’s form has been inconsistent with a recent loss.

Montréal Victoire (Last 5 Games):

DateOpponentResult
Dec 20@ Vancouver GoldeneyesW 4-2
Dec 17@ Toronto SceptresW 2-1 (SO)
Dec 6vs. Ottawa ChargeW
Dec 4vs. New York SirensW 4-3
Nov 30vs. Boston FleetL

Form: 4-1-0-0 in last 5, averaging 2.6 GPG while allowing 1.2. The win streak includes a SO victory over Toronto, with Abstreiter’s strong debut and Greig’s first goal.

Seattle Torrent (Last 5 Games):

DateOpponentResult
Dec 21vs. Boston FleetL 1-3
Dec 17vs. Ottawa ChargeW 4-1
Dec 3vs. New York SirensW 2-1
Dec 1@ Toronto SceptresL 2-4
Nov 28vs. Minnesota FrostL 0-3

Form: 2-0-0-3 in last 5, averaging 2.3 GPG while allowing 2.3. The Ottawa win was a season-high four goals, but losses to Boston and Minnesota exposed defensive issues.

Series History

As expansion teams in the PWHL (league started 2024), there’s limited history. No prior meetings this season, making this the inaugural head-to-head. In general PWHL trends, Montréal has a strong record against Western teams (2-0 this season vs. Vancouver and Seattle-area equivalents), while Seattle has split with Eastern opponents (1-1 vs. Boston and New York). Games involving these teams average 4.5 goals, with unders in 3 of 5 combined recent matches.

Betting Trends

Over is 2-1 in Montréal’s last 3 road games; under is 3-2 in Seattle’s last 5 home tilts. Montréal 4-1 ATS in last 5 as underdogs; Seattle 2-3 ATS after a loss. Seattle 3-2 SU in last 5 home games; Montréal 2-3 ATS on the road in last 5. Unders hit in 60% of games this season due to strong goaltending; favorites win 65% of matchups, but underdogs cover spread in 55%.

GAME ODDS

Montreal Victoire            4.5

Seattle Torrent                  – 120

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025