5 things to watch as the PWHL’s 3rd season debuts on Friday

After a five-month off-season that featured rosters thrown in a blender and two new teams added to the mix, the PWHL’s third season will get underway on Friday.

Each team will play 30 regular-season games, with a lengthy break in the middle for the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February. The top four teams will make the Walter Cup playoffs. You can find a preview of each individual team here.

The league targeted the west coast for its first expansion, and the Vancouver Goldeneyes will host the Seattle Torrent for both teams' first game on Friday night (7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET).

But it won’t stop there. Another two to four teams could come as early as next season, as the PWHL eyes a major U.S. broadcast deal.

Here's everything you need to know about Vancouver's new PWHL team

A busy first weekend is ahead: The third season begins with the reigning Walter Cup champions, the Minnesota Frost, hosting the Toronto Sceptres in a playoff rematch (7 p.m. ET) on Friday, followed by the Torrent at the Goldeneyes later that night.

Then, the Ottawa Charge will host the New York Sirens on Saturday (7 p.m. ET), and the Montreal Victoire will visit Boston on Sunday (1 p.m. ET).

Seventeen games this season will air on CBC and CBC Gem, beginning with a Nov. 29 matchup between the Toronto Sceptres and Boston Fleet (2 p.m. ET).

Here are five storylines to watch in the league’s third season: 

The Goldeneyes and Torrent emerged from the expansion draft process with a bevy of stars.

In Vancouver, goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer is looking to bounce back after an injury in Ottawa put the brakes on what had been a strong season. Supporting her from the blue line are three smart, puck-moving defenders: Sophie Jaques, Claire Thompson and Ashton Bell.

They