Gwyneth Philips delivered a stellar performance for Team USA, stopping 31 of 32 shots in regulation and shutting down Canada in the shootout to secure a 2-1 victory in Halifax on Thursday. The win evens the women’s hockey Rivalry Series at 2-2, with the decisive game set for Saturday in Summerside, P.E.I.
Hilary Knight led the charge with a goal in regulation and another in the shootout, while Hannah Bilka and Kelly Pannek also converted for the U.S. at Scotiabank Centre.
Philips, a 25-year-old goaltender for the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Ottawa Charge, showcased her skill in just her second career start for Team USA.
“I’m just so happy for our team to get a win like this in a building that was as loud as it was tonight,” said U.S. coach John Wroblewski. “Gwyneth was fantastic in net, and our team responded when we needed them to.”
Knight opened the scoring in the first period with a power-play goal, her third of the series, on a backhand shot at 12:56. Canada’s Blayre Turnbull tied the game with 2:19 left in regulation, batting a rolling puck between Philips’ pads.
Canada’s Brianne Jenner, Marie-Philip Poulin, and Jamie Lee Rattray were unable to beat Philips in the shootout. Canadian netminder Ann-Renée Desbiens stopped 14 of 15 shots in regulation.
Source: Swifteradio.com
