HERNING, Denmark — After a rough first period, Team USA went on to score five unanswered goals, defeating the rival Canadians, 5-2, and to take the first place title in Group A at the 2022 Women's World Championships.
The Canadians started off strong with a 2-0 lead after the first 20 minutes of play.
Megan Keller (Farmington Hills, Mich.) finally lit the lamp for the Americans in the opening minutes of the second frame on the power play.
Minnesotan Kelly Pannek (Plymouth, Minn.) then tipped in a goal off a shot from teammate Cayla Barnes (Corona, Calif. / Boston College).
WHAT A TIP! 🤯#WomensWorlds | @KPan19 pic.twitter.com/vEMJBsdbyp
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) August 30, 2022
The Americans kept things rolling in the final frame to increase their lead on the Canadians.
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Lacey Eden (Annapolis, Md. / Wisconsin) scored on a wrist shot from the left circle then later on teammate Kendall Coyne-Schofield (Palos Heights, Ill.) put one in from the slot.
Hilary Knight (Sun Valley, Idaho) then added on an empty net goal in the final minute of play.
The Americans now have sole possession of first place in Group A, which includes Canada, Finland, Switzerland, and Japan.
Savannah Harmon (Downers Grove, Ill.) was named player of the game by posting two assists and logging over 21 minutes of ice time.
Goaltender Nicole Hensley (Lakewood, Colo.) stopped 26 of 28 shots on goal during 60 minutes of play.
Forward Hilary Knight is now only two points away from breaking Hayley Wickenheiser 's all-time points record at the tournament (86).
Team USA will advance to the quarterfinal round to play Hungary on Sept. 1 at 9 a.m. C.T.
