(Beijing) Finland was expected to be a good test for Canada in women’s hockey, but the game quickly turned sour for her.
Posted at 7:03 a.m.
Brianne Jenner and Sarah Nurse both recorded a hat trick as Canada crushed Finland 11-1 on Saturday in the Beijing Olympics women’s hockey tournament.
Nurse scored her hat trick in the third period when she gave Canada a 9-1 lead. Less than two minutes later, Jenner completed his own to seal the outcome of the meeting.
“We didn’t expect to score so many goals in every game, but it’s great to see how well we’re getting on offense,” Jenner said.
Canada’s offense (2-0-0) has been going full steam ahead since the start of the tournament, scoring 12 goals against Switzerland in its opener.
Sara Fillier and Laura Stacey both moved the ropes twice as Jamie Lee Rattray scored the other goal for the Canadian team.
Natalie Spooner was instrumental in four of Canada’s goals while Marie-Philip Poulin set the stage for three of hers. Sixteen of the 19 Maple Leaf skaters earned at least one point.
PHOTO BRIAN SNYDER, REUTERS
Natalie Spooner had four assists.
“Not only do we have this offensive creativity and offensive prowess, but we also have confidence,” Nurse said. It’s something we may have missed a bit in the past, but I think the 23 players have confidence in their talent and abilities. »
Ann-Renée Desbiens gave up only once in 29 shots in front of Canada’s net, which will cross swords with the players of the Russian Olympic Committee on Monday.
Canada is trying to regain the gold medal it lost in the shootout to the United States at the 2018 PyeongChang Games.
Minnamari Tuominen found the back of the net for Finland (0-2-0), coming off a 5-2 loss to the Americans.
Goaltender Meeri Raisanen started the game for the Finns and allowed seven goals on 35 shots in her 40 minutes in goal. In relief, Anni Keisala saved nine of the 13 pucks aimed at her in the third period.
Finland were without head coach Pasi Mustonen. He left Beijing to return home on Friday due to illness in his family.
Assistant coach Juuso Toivola took charge of the team behind the bench on Saturday.
“Our thoughts are definitely with Pasi,” insisted Canada’s head coach, Troy Ryan. He has always been a very good opponent. I am certainly thinking of him and his family at this time. »
The Finns found no response to Canada’s attack. They turned around and scored in their own net to suffer their worst thaw against the Canadians since a 15-0 loss in 2010.
“It might be the best Team Canada I’ve seen,” Toivola said. They were faster than in Calgary [lors du dernier Championnat du monde de hockey féminin]. »
Prior to the game, Hockey Canada announced that forward Mélodie Daoust would be dropped from the roster.
The 30-year-old Quebecer is struggling with an injury and according to Hockey Canada, her state of health is assessed daily. Daoust is expected to return to the lineup “at some point” during the tournament.
Daoust was checked against the boards of defender Sarah Forster in the second period of a 12-1 victory over Switzerland in the opening of the Olympic tournament on Thursday.
The Canadian striker left the box in pain and seemed to be clutching one shoulder.
Daoust led Canada to a gold medal at the Women’s World Hockey Championship last summer in Calgary with six goals and six assists in seven games.