Don’t read too much into the score of the first game of the U.S. women’s Rivalry Series against Canada.
The Americans beat their archrivals 4-1 on Thursday night in Cleveland, thanks to three power-play goals by Abbey Murphy and a vault-like effort in the final two minutes by goaltender Aerin Frankel. It was the third win in a row over Canada, a streak that includes an overtime thriller in April to win the world title.
“Let’s see what happens after two games,” U.S. coach John Wroblewski said.
That isn’t just coach speak. The PWHL doesn’t begin training camps until next week, which meant Thursday night was the first competitive game for those players since May. All but three of Canada’s players are in the PWHL, while almost a third of the U.S. roster is in college.
That includes Murphy, who is in her final year at Minnesota.
“Some of our college players have a little more timing to their game right now,” Wroblewski said. “I didn’t think some of our pros looked all that sharp tonight, either.”
Besides, the U.S. women only need to look back to last year’s Rivalry Series to avoid getting complacent. The Americans won the opener 7-2 only to have the Canadians jump out to a 4-1 lead in the second game on their way to a 5-4 shootout win.
“We ended up tying and getting into overtime, but that was Canada’s game. Let’s just see what happens after Saturday,” Wroblewski said.
Here’s what you need to know about the second game of the Rivalry Series:
When do the U.S. women and Canada play?
Game 2 of the Rivalry Series between the USA and Canada is at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov 8.
Where is the game being played?
The game is at Key Bank Center in Buffalo, New York
Where can I watch the USA-Canada Rivalry Series?
The game will air on NHL Network.
How can I stream the USA-Canada Rivalry Series?
Fubo and certain Sling TV packages carry NHL Network. Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers.
Watch Rivalry Series on Fubo
Homecoming game
“The Cleveland Queen” had a night to remember.
Laila Edwards, who grew up in Cleveland Heights, had an assist on the first U.S. goal Thursday night. She also drew the loudest cheers when she was introduced as a starter, and Hilary Knight handed over ceremonial puck drop duties to her.
The day before the game, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. was spotted wearing Edwards’ jersey.
“This has definitely been a very special couple of days that I’m going to remember forever,” said Edwards, who had not played in her hometown since her sophomore year in high school. (She went to a Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester, New York to play hockey.)
“It’s been super fun and I’m sad it’s ending,” she added.
Saturday’s game will be a homecoming for veteran forward Hayley Scamurra, who grew up in Buffalo, and Haley Winn, who is from Rochester, which is about an hour away.
What is the Rivalry Series?
Now in its sixth season, the Rivalry Series features the U.S. and Canadian women’s national teams. This year’s edition consists of four games, the first two in the United States and the last two in Canada.
The Americans won the opener in Cleveland 4-1. After Saturday night’s game in Buffalo, the Rivalry Series will wrap up with games Dec. 10 and 13 in Edmonton, Alberta.