MILAN, Italy – Hilary knight etched her name further into hockey history Saturday, scoring a goal that tied the U.S.Olympic women’s hockey career goal record as the americans defeated Finland 5-0 at the Milan Cortina Games.
American Dominance Continues Amidst Finnish Adversity
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The U.S. women’s hockey team showcased their strength, while Finland battled through a challenging week impacted by illness.
- Hilary Knight now shares the U.S. record for Olympic goals with Natalie Darwitz and Katie King, boasting 14 goals across five Olympic appearances.
- The Americans improved to 11-0 in Olympic meetings against Finland, demonstrating consistent dominance in the rivalry.
- finland faced significant disruption to their preparations due to a norovirus outbreak, impacting their roster and schedule.
- aerin Frankel secured her first shutout in just her second career olympic game, stopping all 11 shots faced.
The 36-year-old Knight’s historic goal was the culmination of a dominant performance by the Americans, who wore down a Finnish team grappling with the aftermath of a norovirus outbreak. What is the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team’s record against Finland? The Americans have never lost to Finland in Olympic competition, holding an 11-0 record.
Finland’s Fight Through Illness
the Finns returned to the ice as a full team for the first time since Tuesday, when four players initially showed symptoms of the virus. By Thursday,Finland’s 23-player roster had dwindled to just eight forwards and two goalies,leading Olympic officials to postpone their tournament opener against Canada to Feb. 12.
Despite the adversity, coach Tero Lehtera affirmed on Friday his team would compete against the Americans, even if it meant fielding a minimal lineup. after canceling their morning skate on Saturday, Finland took the ice six hours later with a full 22-player contingent.
Finland displayed initial speed but struggled with puck control, with Petra Nieminen losing possession on a potential breakaway early in the game. They ultimately managed nine shots through two periods and 11 overall.
U.S. Breaks the Game Open
Alex Carpenter opened the scoring for the U.S.with a power-play goal at 4:48 of the first period, capitalizing on a one-timer from the slot. Goalie Sanni Ahola made 14 saves in the first period, keeping the score manageable.
The Americans then surged ahead with three goals in the opening 9:17 of the second period. Knight’s tying goal came after being set up to the left of the net,pausing before spinning and banking a shot off Ahola’s blocker.
Megan Keller added a goal and two assists, while Taylor Heise and Abbey Murphy also found the back of the net. aerin Frankel completed the shutout,stopping all 11 shots she faced in her second career Olympic game.
Finland managed only their first shot on net in the third period – their 10th overall – at the 11-minute mark, a snap shot from Sanni Vanhanen that was gloved by Frankel.
other Group A Results
in other Group A action, Canada was scheduled to face Switzerland, which also experienced a stomach flu scare. The Swiss team skipped the opening ceremony and spent Friday night in isolation after one player exhibited symptoms of the norovirus, but the player was cleared to play on Saturday.
In Group B play, Sweden defeated host Italy 6-1, improving to 2-0 in the tournament. Thea Johansson scored twice and added an assist for Sweden, while italy fell to 1-1.
