Women’s Hockey: USA And Canada Meet Up For Bragging Rights

Team USA and Team Canada, easily the two favorites to meet in the Gold Medal Match at the Sochi Olympics, met up in the preliminary round today in a game that had many Americans and Canadians up early to cheer on their teams. The first period featured the Americans with the majority of the puck possession. Canada was on their shot blocking game and goaltender Charline Labonte played very well in her net. The second period was dominated by Canada for the first 10 minutes but the possession shifted back to the Americans in the second half. Team USA scored a power play goal when Anne Schleper blasted a rocket shot that was deflected in by Hilary Knight.

The third period was nearly all Canada with Team USA failing to generate a shot attempt until the 14:10 mark in the period. Meghan Agosta-Marciano scored a power play goal when Kendall Coyne was caught puck watching in front of the USA net. Haley Wickenheiser laid a beautiful pass across the top of the crease that Agosta potted for the equalizer. Shortly thereafter, the Canadians had an odd number breakaway when Wickenheiser shot the puck, USA goalie Jessie Vetter seemingly stopped the puck, the whistle blew and then the puck trickled out of Vetter’s pads and into the net.

The goal was reviewed and despite the whistle having blown, Canada was credited with the goal. Leading 2-1, Canada did not let off of the gas and continued to pressure the USA defense. Team USA finally started getting some pressure in the Canadian zone when a play along the wall caused the players and the puck to get tangled up with the official. The puck squirted out to the middle of the ice and Agosta broke out of the zone. She took the puck straight to the net and beat Vetter for her second goal of the game.

Thereafter, the Americans pressed hard and pulled the goalie for the 6^th attacker. This paid off when Anne Schleper scored on a shot from the slot. The Americans continued with a 6 woman attack and went on the power play near the end of the third. Canada’s penalty kill put on an excellent show to clear the puck several times despite being shorthanded by two players. Due to this work, the Canadians pulled out the 3-2 win over the Americans.

CORSI DATA

*All data tracked by Jen LC @bhawksfanjen

Both Team USA and Team Canada have a bye for the Quarter Final round which starts on Saturday. The teams will play opponents yet to be determined on Monday.