It was a history-making day for Team USA in more ways than one.
Hilary Knight scored once in the United States’ 6-0 win over Russia to become the all-time leading goal scorer in women’s world championship history, breaking the record set by Cammi Granato. Knight now has 45 goals on her world championship resume.
Brianna Decker also made history with an assist on that goal, setting the record for the most assists by an American at the women’s worlds with 39.
Britta Curl got things started for Team USA, cleaning up Grace Zumwinkle’s initial shot attempt for her first goal of the tournament.
Britta Curl cleanin' up out front of the net for her first #USWNT gino! ✅#WomensWorlds pic.twitter.com/zElMQRUD9p— USA Hockey (@usahockey) August 24, 2021
Britta Curl cleanin' up out front of the net for her first #USWNT gino! ✅#WomensWorlds pic.twitter.com/zElMQRUD9p
Following Knight’s history-making goal, Team USA really started to roll.
Abbey Murphy and Jesse Compher each scored the first goals of their USA Hockey careers in the third period, with Compher connecting on hers off of a backhand.
A backhand beauty for Jesse Compher's first! 🤩It's a milestone afternoon at the #WomensWorlds! pic.twitter.com/tUTmyP4dUt— USA Hockey (@usahockey) August 24, 2021
A backhand beauty for Jesse Compher's first! 🤩It's a milestone afternoon at the #WomensWorlds! pic.twitter.com/tUTmyP4dUt
“It’s always incredible to watch players make history,” head coach Joel Johnson said. “But to have it happen for two players on the same scoring chance and to see how exciting it was for the whole team was really special to be a part of, and I think everyone recognizes that. I think that moment changed the momentum of the game and you saw us really get on a roll after that.”
Lee Stecklein and Kelly Pannek also recorded goals, while Alex Cavallini stopped all 11 shots she faced in net to lead Team USA to the rout of Russia.
The U.S., now 3-0, will wrap up group play on Thursday against longtime rival Canada at 6 p.m. ET on NHL Network.