In the lead-up to her fifth and final Winter Games, Hilary Knight showcased her scoring prowess with three goals in a 6-1 victory over Canada, giving Team USA a 2-0 lead in the women’s hockey Rivalry Series. Knight, at 36 years old and the team captain, demonstrated her skill following a successful PWHL season where she tied for the league lead in points.
Knight’s impressive performance, including an empty-net goal, followed Abbey Murphy’s hat trick in the series opener, highlighting the depth of offensive talent within the American team. The victory in Buffalo displayed the hard work and teamwork of the U.S. squad, with players like Laila Edwards and Kelly Pannek contributing to the win.
Despite the losses, Canadian coach Troy Ryan remains focused on improvement, acknowledging the strengths of the American team. The series will continue with games in Edmonton, where Ryan plans to adjust the lineup to better reflect the final roster.
The U.S. team has now secured four consecutive wins against Canada, showcasing their strength and determination heading into the upcoming Winter Games. Knight’s leadership and scoring ability have been instrumental in the team’s recent success, setting a positive tone for their future competitions.