Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

U.S. Women dominate Finland to secure spot in gold-medal game

By @MichaelCaples –

They scored early and they scored often.

Now they officially have a chance for redemption.

The U.S. Women’s Hockey Team beat Finland 5-0 in semifinals of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in South Korea early Monday morning Eastern time.

They will inevitably get their rematch against Canada – their rivals to the north play the Olympic Athletes From Russia in the other semifinal game later today.

UPDATE: Canada delivered, and which means there will be another U.S. vs. Canada gold-medal game in women’s hockey.

 


The last time the two countries played with hardware on the line was the Women’s World Championship in Plymouth last March – you can revisit that memorable hockey moment by clicking here.

That memory is a good one for the Americans; the last time they played the Canadians for Olympic hardware didn’t go so well. In 2014, the U.S. held a lead late before Canada rallied for a heartbreaking comeback.

Canada won the preliminary-round game between the two rivals last week.

The Americans will have plenty of confidence after their convincing semifinal victory.

Gigi Marvin started the scoring quickly, as she blasted a one-timer into the Finland goal just 2:25 into the contest.

Team USA then scored again in the final two minutes of the first period, as Dani Cameranesi picked the shortside top corner with a lethal wrist shot.

In the second period, the U.S. women capitalized on a five-on-three power-play opportunity. First, it was Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson scoring on a one-timer during the two-man advantage. Then, it was Hilary Knight redirecting a shot from the point to increase the lead to four.

Early in the third period, Cameranesi scored again – this time on a quick catch-and-release shot from the slot on a power play 45 seconds into the final frame.

Maddie Rooney picked up the win in goal for Team USA, recording a 14-save shutout.