Another world championship event ended with the top two teams in the world squaring off in the championship game. After cruising to victory in their first four games here in Zurich the United States entered the championship game looking to strike back at Canada after their Olympic defeat last year and continue their streak of consecutive World Championship's.
In the first period of the 17th meeting all time in World Championships the Canadians gave the USA an early edge with Jen Wakefield going to the box for tripping. However the Americans were unable to gain the upper hand on the advantage and as the period progressed each team had their share of chances to capitalize. However the United States broke through at the 16:56 mark when Jocelyne Lamoureux used a give and go from her sister on a Canadian breakdown in their own end. The goal gave the USA an edge that would carry them for the remainder of the frame. With eight seconds left however Gillian Apps took advantage of two defenders in front of USA goaltender Jessie Vetter with a top shelf shot tying the game with eight seconds left in the period.
In what was ultimately a low key second period that saw two USA Power Plays and an abbreviated Canadian power play the United States was able to retake the lead in the game. With Canada looking to hold the USA zone defender Angela Ruggiero took the puck up ice and feed teammate Jenny Potter who spit the Canadian defense beating goaltender Shannon Szabados with a top shelf backhand goal. Despite giving up the lead Canada out shot the USA 15-14 in the middle period.
In the third period the pace of the game started quick as each team tried to capitalize on every attempt. However as the period reached its final five minutes Canada turned up the pressure on the USA as they searched for the tying goal. Following a Josephine Pucci penalty for tripping Canada had the edge they needed. Wasting little time, Rebecca Johnston took a feed in front from Jayna Hefford who was in the low corner to tie the game. The goal not only tied the game but forced each team to clamp down further on defense sending the game to overtime. In the third period Canada out shot the USA 23-12 taking an edge of 47-42 for the contest further highlighting the solid goaltending performances.
In the extra session the Americans nearly faltered early on allowing Canada to gain the early upper hand. When the USA failed to capitalize on a Jocelyne Larocque tripping call the odds that were turning in their favor seemed to be slipping back to Canada. However nearing the midway point of the extra session Hilary Knight continuing her dominating performance at this event took a sliding puck and guided in the open corner of the net just before Shannon Szabados could slide over and cover it. The game winning goal for the USA gives them their third straight World Championship gold medal victory over Canada.
Box Score (IIHF)
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