Team USA storms into Women’s Worlds final with rout of Germany

By @MichaelCaples –

PLYMOUTH – It was over quickly.

Sure, they played a full 60 minutes. But the U.S. Women’s National Team has been on a mission for a while now, and they weren’t going to let Germany get in the way.

Team USA scored early and often as they demolished Germany in the semifinals of the Women’s World Championship. The final score read 11-0 in favor of the host country.

The Americans had more goals (11) than Germany had shots (eight).

Hilary Knight scored 1:06 into the contest, and Kelli Stack scored to make it 2-0 halfway through the first. After 20 minutes of play, the shot count read 18-4.

In the second period, the final nail went in the coffin, as Team USA chased goaltender Jennifer Harss with a dominating five goals – one of which went to Farmington native Megan Keller, her first of the tournament.

Instead of describing each tally, we’ll just post the highlights when USA Hockey has them ready.

Team USA ended up out-shooting Germany 45-8.

Now, it’s onto tomorrow (Friday), with one more game on the schedule for the U.S. squad.

With their thrashing of Germany, Team USA has secured a spot in the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship final. The game – a rematch with rival Canada – will be the last game of the tournament in Plymouth, with the U.S. earning the opportunity to defend their title on home soil.

The previous showdown with Canada – the game that started the week-long tournament for the storied rivals – went in favor of the Americans, as Team USA shut out Canada 2-0.

It will be the 18th meeting in the title game between the U.S. and their neighbors to the north.

USA Hockey Arena is expected to be sold out – the only tickets that will be available are the ones that are freed up by teams clearing out of Plymouth early.