Special Edition: The first of its kind

Twenty-four regular-season games each, one international break, and just over four months later, the four-team playoff picture features No. 1 seed Toronto, No. 2 Montréal, No. 3 Boston, and No. 4 Minnesota.

But this isn’t your typical No. 1 vs. No. 4 and No. 2 vs. No. 3 semifinal — the league added an extra layer of spice and allowed the No. 1 seed to choose the No. 3 or No. 4 team as their first opponent.

• Toronto stuck with the standard and selected Minnesota, surely extra fuel for Minny’s fire.

As for the road ahead, the best-of-five semis start tonight, with Toronto and Montréal hosting Games 1 and 2 before the series shift for Games 3 and 4. If a Game 5 is necessary, it’ll be hosted by the better seed.

• From there, winners advance to the best-of-five final with the inaugural Walter Cup on the line.

Postseason rules notably differ slightly from the regular season: Should the game be tied after the three 20-minute periods, the teams will then play 15-minute overtime (OT) periods until someone scores. Similar to the NHL, it’s heart-pumping sudden death, so the team that scores first wins. *bites nails*

🟦 Toronto: After a sputtering start, Toronto went on to dominate, notching a record-setting 11-game win streak across February and March. And while they bring it on offense, boasting the league’s top two scorers and leading the league in goals scored, they also have a shutdown D that’s allowed the fewest goals in the PWHL. Terrifying.

🟥 Montréal: This squad gave their record-setting crowds plenty to celebrate, playing consistent hockey to hover near the top of the standings all season long. However, the team’s OT record (3-5) is cause for concern, especially given the increased pressure of the postseason.

🟩 Boston: Call an ambulance, but not for them. Boston went on a tear at the end of the regular season, winning four of their last five games to move from fifth in the standings to third. That said, offensive production is a big red flag for this squad, who scored the fewest goals of any team in the regular season.

🟪 Minnesota: It’s been an up-and-down season in the State of Hockey. Minny started the year by setting a women’s hockey attendance record (which has since been broken) and rattled off a five-game win streak before the international break in March.

• But they’ve faltered as of late, losing their last five games. Which team will show up now that they’ve squeaked into the postseason? TBD.

Fangirl Down is the spicy golf book we didn’t know we needed.

A bad boy golfer falls for his number one fan after hiring her as his caddie. Not only is their chemistry adorable, but author Tessa Bailey weaves in commentary on male friendships, chronic illness, and how sports media portrays women. *golf claps*

If you’ve ever crushed on an athlete, this book is for you. Plus, we can’t wait for the hockey spin-off!

May’s book club read is Night Shift by Annie Crown. Read along on Fable, and join our book club list to stay up-to-date.

Natalie Spooner, Toronto, Forward: Spooner led the league in points (27) and goals (20) this regular season…and it wasn’t close. To put her jaw-dropping campaign in perspective, the MVP front-runner has scored seven power play goals, while Minnesota’s entire roster has five. Must be that mom strength.

Marie Philip-Poulin, Montréal, Forward: They don’t call her Captain Clutch for nothing. Montréal’s fearless leader and hometown hero sits near the top of the league in both goals and assists — a testament to her enduring, game-changing impact. Plus, she lives for the big moment, as evidenced by her countless legendary plays. Truly magnifique.

Aerin Frankel, Boston, Goalie: Frankel was a major part of Boston’s success down the stretch, posting an impressive .945 save percentage in April. And given Boston’s aforementioned scoring struggles, the local NCAA product will need to stand on her head all postseason long.

Kendall Coyne Schofield, Minnesota, Forward: It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s supermom. The fastest woman in hockey relished the opportunity to compete in a league of her own. If she can continue putting defenders on their heels, Minny might just overcome that late-season slump.

As mentioned, the fun begins tonight when Toronto hosts Minnesota at Coca-Cola Coliseum (a venue move which sees an increase in seats from 2,600 to 8K+) for Game 1 at 7 p.m. ET. Montréal and Boston then start their series tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET from Place Bell (a 10K-seater).

• Canadian viewers can tune in on TSN4, while those outside of the Great White North can watch for free on the league’s YouTube channel. Let’s do that freakin’ hockey.