KERAVA, Finland – Four different players netted goals and Brianna Decker (Dousman, Wis.) tallied three points as the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Finland, 4-0, here tonight in the team’s second game at the 2016 Four Nations Cup.
“We had another strong effort tonight and I’m pleased with the way we played and the outcome,” said Ken Klee, head coach of the 2016 U.S. Women’s National Team. “I like the way our team continues to come together and play with a high compete level, especially on back-to-back nights.”
Team USA controlled the play throughout the opening period, outshooting Finland 13-3, but was unable to beat goaltender Noora Raty. Finland nearly took the lead on a two-on-one rush in the closing minutes of the stanza, but Nicole Hensley (Lakewood, Colo.) made a sprawling glove save to keep the game scoreless entering the first intermission.
The U.S. broke through just 2:15 into the second period when Decker deked around Raty and slid a pass across the crease to Kendall Coyne (Palos Heights, Ill), who poked the puck into the empty net.
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson (Grand Forks, N.D.) extended Team USA’s advantage to 2-0 with a slap shot from the point at 9:09 of the frame.
Megan Keller (Farmington, Mich.) gave the U.S. a 3-0 lead 1:15 into the final period when she collected the rebound from a shot by Decker, and backhanded the puck into a wide open net.
Monique Lamoureux-Morando (Grand Forks, N.D.) netted a rebound with 9:14 remaining to make the final 4-0.
Hensley finished with 18 saves to earn Team USA’s second straight shutout to open the tournament.
For complete game statistics, click here.
Team USA (2-0-0-0; W-OTW-OTL-L) closes preliminary-round play in the Four Nations Cup Friday (Nov. 4) against rival Canada in Vierumaki at 12:30 p.m. ET. A victory would clinch a spot for the U.S. in the gold-medal game on Saturday (Nov. 5).
NOTES: Lamoureux-Morando was named U.S. Player of the Game … The U.S. outshot Finland 39-18 in the contest … Reagan Carey (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Hockey’s director of women’s hockey, is the general manager of the 2016 U.S. Women’s National Team. Ken Klee (Denver, Colo.) is the head coach of the 2016 U.S. Women’s National Team at the Four Nations Cup. He is assisted by Robb Stauber (Medina, Minn.), Brett Strot (Tampa, Fla.) and Chris Tamer (Dearborn, Mich.) … The Four Nations Cup is an annual tournament that has been held in varying forms since 1996 (previously the Three Nations Cup). The U.S. is competing against Canada, Sweden and Finland in this year’s tournament. It is the 21st year of the tournament and the United States has competed 20 times, having not participated in 2001. The United States has captured the title six times (1997, 2003, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015), finished second 12 times and third in the tournament in 2013. The Americans hold an overall record of 45-6-5-23-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L-T) in 81 Three/Four Nations Cup games. For complete coverage of the Four Nations Cup from USA Hockey, click here.
