VIERUMAKI, Finland -- Sweden figured out a way to score a goal on Jessie Vetter: knock the stick out of her hands during a power play.
The Cottage Grove native and former University of Wisconsin athlete, getting her first start at the Four Nations Cup, allowed two goals on the advantage Wednesday but the United States women's national hockey team held off the Swedes 3-2 behind a pair of scores by Natalie Darwitz.
Monique Lamoureux also tallied for the Americans (2-0), who play their final preliminary-round game Friday at 10:30 a.m. Central time against Canada.
"It was a very nice victory," said Mark Johnson, who is taking a leave of absence to guide Team USA. "We created a lot of offensive opportunities. Kim Martin played great in net for Sweden and we did what we had to do in the third period to gain the victory. The team played hard and I'm very pleased with the way we came out, responded and duplicated the strong effort from last night."
The U.S. amassed a 52-18 advantage in shots and stormed to a 2-0 lead but Sweden cut that in half with a power-play goal at 5:31 of the second period. Pernilla Winberg converted during a scuffle in front of the net in which Vetter's stick was knocked away from her.
It remained a one-goal game until Darwitz tallied for a second time with 1:24 left, walking through the left circle and putting a wrist shot high to the far side. Sweden scored with 8 seconds left on a power-play goal by Elin Holmlov.
All U.S. games of the tournament will be offered free via live video webstream as part of U.S. College Hockey Online's Game of the Week, with Brian Schulz calling the play-by-play. Click here for more information.
Posted in Olympics, Hockey on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 1:40 pm | Tags: Jessie Vetter, Uw Women's Hockey, Badgers, Sweden, U.s. Women's Hockey
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