One of the biggest games in women’s hockey took place on Tuesday with the USA meeting Canada in a North America battle for supremacy. There couldn’t be more parity between the teams ahead of the game, with USA ranking 1st in world rankings, Canada 2nd — and only 10 points separating the two. The winner of this game secured first in their group, becoming the No. 1 seed entering the quarterfinals.
The big question entering this game was whether or not Canada goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens could withstand a massive assault from the U.S. scoring led by Alex Carpenter and Joy Dunne. It was made more difficult for Canada with an injury to Marie-Philip Poulin, keeping the captain out of the game.
USA opened the scoring with Caroline Harvey taking the puck from the blue line, hesitating in the slot, and netting one home just 3:45 into the game. A physical, smothering forecheck forced Canada to fight out of their zone early, with USA creating ample chances and out-shooting their opponents.
Abby Murphy set up USA’s second goal with just over two minutes left in the period on a beautiful backhand pass to Hannah Bilka who slotted it home with ease. At this point Canada was just trying to get out of the period to stop the onslaught, and almost conceded two more goals in the final minute on a Hillary Knight slapshot, and a subsequent rebound.
USA leads 2-0 at the first intermission
