An Abbey Murphy (University of Minnesota) hat trick on Thursday, followed by another from Team Captain Hilary Knight (Seattle Torrent) on Saturday highlighted Team USA’s commanding performances in the first half of this year’s Rivalry Series. USA Hockey & Hockey Canada’s Women’s National Teams faced each other in two of the four total pre-Olympic contests this weekend as part of their annual Rivalry Series matchups. Team USA won both contests handily, with 4-1 and 6-1 final scores.
On Thursday night in Cleveland, forwards Taylor Heise (Minnesota Frost) and Murphy connected on three goals, with Heise adding a goal of her own on a tip in front in the 4-1 win for Team USA. The puck movement from the Americans was outstanding all night long, and was especially effective on the power play. Canada struggled to get their offense going until the third period, and in fact, shots on goal were 22-14 USA after two periods. Shots were 13-4 Canada in that third period. Team USA’s defense held, and top netminder Aerin Frankel came up big, saving all 13 shots and 26 of 27 total.
A much sloppier game from both teams took place on Saturday night in Buffalo, NY. Neither squad got much going in the first period and well into the second. Some rare defensive breakdowns and a penalty midway through the period from Team Canada and NY Sirens defender Micah Zandee-Hart led to a power play goal for Team USA’s Hilary Knight. The teams traded goals, with a quick follow up from Kelly Pannek (Minnesota Frost) for the US, and Canada’s Captain Marie-Philip Poulin (Montreal Victoire).
The dam broke open almost midway through the third period, as Team Canada’s defense continued to struggle. Goals from Laila Edwards (Wisconsin), Hayley Scamurra (Montreal Victoire) and two more from Knight followed. Knight, who completed the hat trick with an empty net goal, has already indicated that this upcoming Olympics will be her last for Team USA.
There does seem to be a difference in how each of the two women’s hockey powerhouse nations are utilizing these games for at least these first two games. Team Canada, led by Toronto Sceptres Head Coach Troy Ryan, seems focused on using the games as a tryout for their Olympic roster, especially in net. Their primary and arguably world’s best netminder Ann-Renee Desbiens was left off their roster, naming Eve Gascon from University of Minnesota Duluth, Kayle Osborne from the New York Sirens, and Emerence Maschmeyer (Vancouver Goldeneyes) to their squad. Gascon played in game one, allowing four goals on 26 shots, while Osborne was in net for game two allowing five goals on 32 shots.
Team USA is focused on building chemistry and developing a strong offensive game, especially on the power play. Team USA’s power play, which has struggled in the past, was two for five in Game One, and two for four in Game Two. Both teams were likely trying to keep potential Olympic line combinations and play strategy close to the vest leading up to the Games.
The teams meet up again December 10th & 13th in Edmonton, AB at Rogers Place during a break in PWHL action. It’s the last tuneup opportunities for the world’s top two women’s teams prior to the Olympics, and teams will likely look different ahead of naming the 23 player final rosters headed to Italy. Players on both teams are returning to PWHL training camps already underway today.
Home › Forums › USA Dominates Canada in Pre-Olympic Games