The U.S. national team continued its winning ways on the Visa Skate To Salt Lake Tour as it downed Minnesota, 16-0, this evening. The victory extends Team USA’s overall record to 16-0-0.
Forward Jenny Potter gave Team USA the only goal it would need as the power-play unit worked the puck down low and fed her in the slot at 3:17 of the first period. U.S. forwards Tricia Dunn, Shelley Looney, Natalie Darwitz and Karyn Bye added tallies in the first period to make the score 6-0 heading into the second stanza.
Forward Krissy Wendell got the scoring underway in the second period, roofing the puck past Gopher goaltender Jody Horak at 2:04. Cammi Granato and defenseman Tara Mounsey assisted on the play that gave Team USA a 7-0 lead. Forward Carisa Zaban lit the lamp only:26 later to extend the lead to 8-0. The U.S. registered four more goals to take a 12-0 advantage after two periods.
Both King and Zaban completed hat tricks and Looney added her second tally of the night in the third period to make the final score 16-0 in favor of Team USA. Goaltender Sarah Tueting turned aside 11 shots to record the shutout.
The U.S. and Minnesota will meet again Saturday at The Gardens in Warroad, Minn.
