United States Dominates Canada 10-4 in Rivalry Series Showdown

The United States women’s hockey team delivered a commanding performance against Canada, securing a decisive 10-4 victory in the third game of the Rivalry Series on March 15, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta. This win marks the U.S. team’s third consecutive victory in the four-game series, putting them in a strong position as they prepare for the final matchup.

Kelly Pannek and Abbey Murphy each contributed two goals, while Kendall Coyne Schofield added a goal and two assists. Additional scoring came from Tessa Janecke, Jesse Compher, Britta Curl-Salemme, Alex Carpenter, and Kirsten Simms, showcasing the U.S. team’s offensive depth. The Americans bounced back impressively after conceding an early goal to Canada’s Sarah Fillier, who found the net just 48 seconds into the game.

Following Fillier’s opening goal, the U.S. rallied by scoring five unanswered goals, taking control of the match. The Americans further extended their lead with four consecutive goals in the third period. Notably, Gwyneth Philips, the U.S. goalkeeper, made 30 saves, playing a key role in the team’s victory.

Canada’s efforts included two goals from Sophie Jaques, while Fillier contributed a goal and an assist, and Julia Gosling added another goal. Despite the offensive output, this marked the first time Canada had conceded ten goals to the U.S., surpassing their previous high of nine goals allowed in a single match during 2012.

In the second period, Canada managed to claw back into the game with three goals, including two in the final two minutes. Jaques’ second goal, which survived a video review for potential goaltender interference, ignited hopes for a comeback. However, the ensuing power play opportunity did not yield any further goals for Canada, as the U.S. regained momentum with their relentless scoring pace.

Canada outshot the U.S. 17-10 in the first period, demonstrating their ability to generate chances, but the U.S. proved to be more aggressive around both nets. Coyne Schofield and Compher struck within 39 seconds of each other, establishing a 4-1 lead for the Americans early in the match.

The upcoming final game of the Rivalry Series, set for March 16, 2024, in Edmonton, will serve as both a conclusion to this intense series and a final preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games in February. Due to the Olympic schedule and the recently formed Professional Women’s Hockey League, this season’s Rivalry Series has been shortened, moving from its traditional five or seven games to just four.

Both teams are keenly aware of the stakes involved as they look to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the Olympics. With the U.S. currently leading the series, the final game promises to be an exhilarating encounter, highlighting the fierce competition between these two hockey powerhouses.