Forward Cammi Granato notched three points (1-2) in front of a standing-room only crowd to lead the U.S. national team past the Minnesota, 6-0, Sunday evening. The victory extends Team USA’s overall record to 17-0-0, including a 10-0-0 mark on The Visa Skate To Salt Lake Tour.
Forwards Andrea Kilbourne and Jenny Potter lit the lamp in the first period to give Team USA a 2-0 lead. Kilbourne banged in a rebound in front of the net at 12:44, and Potter converted a one-timer in the slot at 17:46.
Following a scoreless second period, Granato notched a power-play tally only :40 into the final stanza to give the U.S. a 3-0 advantage. Defenseman Tara Mounsey and forward Krissy Wendell assisted on the effort.
Forward Natalie Darwitz and Wendell added goals at 5:58 and 8:27, respectively, to give the U.S. a 5-0 edge. Kilbourne registered her second goal at 17:02 to make the final score 6-0.
Goaltender Sara DeCosta stopped eight shots to record the shutout, while Brenda Reinen and Jody Horak combined to record 62 saves for the Gophers.
