For the first time in the three-game Rivalry Series with Canada, the U.S. women were on the offensive throughout the game.
It didn’t help.
Canadian keeper Shannon Szabados starred for the visitors and stopped all 38 American shots for her 18th career shutout, helping Canada to a 2-0 win at Little Caesars Arena.
The American squad didn’t help matters with three penalties in the first 10 minutes of the game. Canada scored on the second power play, with Brianne Jenner scoring at 5:40 of the first period from the top of the circle, past a screened Alex Rigsby of the U.S.
The U.S. had an 8-6 advantage on shots in the first period, then revved up the offense in the second period, with 21 shots (to seven for Canada), but could not get the puck past Szabados. In the meantime, Canada scored a second goal just 3:35 into the period from Blayre Turnbull, off an assist by Jamie-Lee Rattray, for a 2-0 lead.
Through two periods, the U.S. was 0-5 on the power play, but it appeared that they got back in the game with 17:37 to play in the third off a Savannah Harmon goal from the left side, but it was waved off due to interference against Szabados.
The U.S. had nine shots to four for Canada in the final period and even with an extra attacked for the final two minutes, could not break the shutout. The Americans ended with a 38-17 advantage in shots.
The U.S. won the first game of the series, 1-0, and lost the second, 4-3. The teams will no doubt meet again; the 2019 Women’s World Championship starts 4 April in Espoo (FIN).
