The New York Sirens are stuck in a frustrating loop, and General Manager Pascal Daoust knows it all too well. For the third straight season, the Sirens watched the playoffs from home, finishing seventh in the standings with 36 points (9-3-3-15). As the only original PWHL franchise yet to make the postseason since the league launched in 2024, the team is searching for answers.

"It looks like it's Groundhog Day," Daoust admitted Thursday. "A strong start, and then for some reason, the same end. We fell short."

This season followed a painfully familiar script. The Sirens exploded out of the gate, going 7-0-0-3 and holding a playoff spot at the Olympic break. But the second half told a different story. New York managed just two regulation wins over their final 14 games (2-3-0-9) and missed the postseason by eight points.

Despite the disappointing finish, Daoust sees a silver lining. Speaking during exit day interviews last Monday, he emphasized that the team's identity and culture are stronger than the standings suggest.

"I would say that everybody was and is still very happy with the DNA, the culture, the people that are in place," Daoust said. "So not saying that the standings are showing it, but definitely we've made huge, huge steps. The foundation is great to have, and we look forward for the next step and the next page of our storybook."

But an uncertain offseason could test that foundation. The PWHL is expected to expand significantly, with multiple outlets reporting a revamped expansion model on Sunday. A guide sent to the PWHL Players Association (PWHLPA) outlines a five-phase process with multiple signing windows, replacing last season's expansion draft.

In an email to members Sunday, PWHLPA executive director Malaika Underwood confirmed the league intends to add four expansion teams this offseason. The PWHL called the plan a "thoughtful and player-focused approach" in a statement to The Athletic.

For Sirens fans, the expansion news is a double-edged sword. More teams mean a deeper, more competitive league—but also more pressure on a franchise that has yet to find its postseason footing. As Daoust and his staff prepare for what promises to be a pivotal summer, the question remains: Can New York finally break the cycle and build a contender?