Team USA strong against Japan, win 6-4 – 01.12.2017

Although Japan started more actively than the USA in the first period, having a few good shots on goal straight from the beginning, it was USA’s Tiffany Gerber who scored the first goal. It didn’t take long for Japan to equal the game, in the 6th minute Yui Goto scored an equalizer. After that, the game remained balanced with good goal opportunities on both sides.Unfortunately for Japan, in the 14th minute, Natsumi Abe was given a 2-minute penalty. The USA took this opportunity and scored in the power play and Marie Haggstrom made it 2:1. Another goal was scored by Christine Lindberg, making it 3:1 for the USA before the end of the first period.

In the second period, Japan had a great chance to equalize the game. They played two powerplays, first when Lexie Carlino was given a 2-minute penalty and then again when Michelle Linhart was out for two minutes as well. Although Japan held the USA under pressure, they didn’t manage to grab the chance. At last, Japan lessened the game when Yui Takahashi found an empty space in USA’s net. However, the euphoria didn’t last long, The USA quickly scored as Michelle Linhart made it a lead by two goals again.

A little drama started in the third period. Firstly, when Japan scored a penalty shot and scored another goal very quickly, which made the game equal. But the USA stayed strong and two goals from Marie Haggstrom and Michelle Linhart secured the win for team USA.

Best players:
USA: #8 Marie Haggstrom
JPN: #3 Yui Goto