SAN JOSE, Calif. — In an impressive display, Wisconsin senior Lacey Eden netted two goals, contributing to the United States achieving a substantial 7-2 victory over Canada on Wednesday night in the first game of the Rivalry Series.
This match held significant importance, as the previous encounter saw Canada claim victory on U.S. soil during the IIHF Women’s World Championships that took place in April.
However, Team USA showcased their strength on this occasion, marking their fifth consecutive win in the Rivalry Series, improving their overall record to 9-3-3-7.
Abbey Murphy was another standout player, also securing a pair of goals for the American squad. The potential first overall selection in next summer’s PWHL draft ignited the scoreboard, scoring midway through the first period with a well-placed one-timer off a loose puck just as a penalty was about to be lifted. Shortly thereafter, defender Savannah Harmon redirected a cross from Grace Zumwinkle, hitting the post before bouncing in, pushing the score to 2-0.
Eden found the net twice in quick succession later in the opening period. She first converted a deflection from Megan Keller’s shot for a 3-0 advantage, then extended the lead when she managed to score from a tough angle, sending the puck off the pads of Canadian goaltender Kristen Campbell.
The American squad didn’t let up, as Alex Carpenter tallied another goal, granting Team USA a commanding 5-0 lead with just 24.9 seconds remaining in the first period thanks to a deft backhand shot, created following a steal and assist by Kirsten Simms.
In the second period, Hannah Bilka capitalized on a power play early on, pushing the advantage to 6-0 against backup goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens. Ursula Murphy added her second goal 90 seconds into the third period, concluding the scoring effort for Team USA.
Though Canada found the back of the net late in the second period with goals from Blayre Turnbull and Sarah Nurse, the game had already slipped out of reach.
The Rivalry Series is set to continue on Friday in Salt Lake City, followed by Game 3 in Boise, Idaho, on Sunday, before eventually heading to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on February 6.