Wisconsin senior Lacey Eden scored two of the United States’ five first-period goals and the Americans routed Canada 7-2 on Wednesday night in the opener of the Rivalry Series in San Jose, Calif.
The last time the two teams met, Canada played spoiler on U.S. territory, winning the IIHF Women’s World Championships in April.
But Team USA continued its dominance in the Rivalry Series, winning the first game for the fifth straight time in the series for an overall record of 9-3-3-7.
Abbey Murphy also scored two goals for the United States. Murphy, the potential first overall pick of next summer’s PWHL draft, opened the scoring midway through the first period on a one-timer off a loose puck just before a penalty expired. A little over a minute later, defender Savannah Harmon redirected Grace Zumwinkle’s cross off the post and in to make it 2-0.
WATCH | U.S. takes down Canada in opening Rivalry Series game:
A five goal opening period for the Americans helped them defeat Canada 7-2 Wednesday at the first Rivalry Series game in San Jose.
A five goal opening period for the Americans helped them defeat Canada 7-2 Wednesday at the first Rivalry Series game in San Jose.
Hannah Bilka scored on a power play early in the second period against backup goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens for a 6-0 advantage. Murphy scored her second goal 90 seconds into the third to cap the scoring.
Blayre Turnbull and Sarah Nurse each scored for Canada late in the second period.
The five-game series continues on Friday in Salt Lake City. Game 3 will be in Boise, Idaho, on Sunday before the series shifts to Halifax, Nova Scotia on Feb. 6.
