Team USA remains undefeated (2-0), serving Team Finland with a 5-0 shutout. Finland has been fighting a stomach virus for the past week, didn’t look very lively out on the ice today, and Team USA took full advantage of it.
With a similar start to the first game, Alex Carpenter struck first for Team USA with a sick one-timer from the slot set up by Laila Edwards. By the time 2nd period came around, USA took a commanding lead as Taylor Heise scored her first career Olympic goal on a laser assist from Abby Murphy. Moments later, Megan Kegan slipped in a sneaky backhander that went five-hole.
Hilary Knight found the back of the net and went top shelf over the goaltenders’ shoulder for the 2nd game in a row on a powerplay assisted by Laila Edwards (2nd assist) and Megan Keller. Knight’s goal added to her legendary career, and she has now tied the record for the most Olympic goals (14) in USA Women’s Hockey history.
Abby Murphy wrapped up the game strolling in with a backdoor goal on a heads-up assist from Britta Curl-Salemme. Murphy had a day logging 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist). Megan Keller also showed out 3 points (1 goal, 2 assist).
Team USA put on a tenacious performance today against last year’s bronze medal team Finland, out shooting them 49-11 and going 2 for 6 on the powerplay. In the last two games, Team USA have out shot both of their opponents 91-25 and have only had one penalty that was killed.
Next up will be Team Switzerland, attempting to hand Team USA their first loss of the tournament on February 8th at 12:40 MDT.
Dante Robinson | Senior PWHL Analyst for The NSR Network
