MILAN – The U.S. women’s hockey team has not allowed a single goal since their initial game of the tournament as they prepare for a showdown with gold medal-winners Canada on Thursday.
With a formidable group of forwards and a solid defensive lineup, the goalies are another important element in Team USA’s strategy, featuring a new trio: Erin Frankel, Gwyneth Phillips, and Ava McNaughton.
Frankel has been in goal for four out of the six games and has made an impressive 67 saves out of 68 shots faced.
“I can’t emphasize enough how well the team is playing defensively in front of me,” remarked Frankel, whose 23 saves in the recent match against Sweden secured a place for the U.S. in the gold medal game. “They make it easier for me, allow me to read the plays, and just perform my role. I think what makes us strong is how well we play together. That’s why this team is excelling.”
“If we focus on our individual roles while trusting each other, it really helps. I mean, that’s been key to our success and is what makes it challenging for opposing teams to score,” she added.
The Americans are entering the championship game against Canada with a remarkable 331:23 consecutive shutout streak that goes back to the 18:37 mark of the second period in their tournament opener against the Czech Republic.
Team USA has also been effective in controlling the game, maintaining puck possession for extended periods, which has hindered their opponents’ offensive efforts.
This advantage is quite significant and stands out in the tournament.
In a recent statement, Swedish head coach Ulf Lundberg shared his thoughts on the U.S. team, calling them “a first-round team,” which he believes is a sentiment shared among his players.
Phillips, who served as a backup, had a strong performance in Game 3 and again in the quarterfinals versus Italy, not permitting any goals during her time in the crease.
She successfully blocked all 40 shots taken against her by both Switzerland and Italy. In a match against Switzerland, McNaughton, the third goalie, also made a save while stepping in.
“They’re fantastic,” Joy Dunn commented about the U.S. goalies. “We’ve got depth in our goaltending, which gives us confidence. Sure, we all make mistakes, but this is such a fast-paced game. Knowing that they’ve got our backs means a lot to us,” she concluded.
