Desbiens makes 51 saves to propel Canada past U.S. in women's hockey
Tres bien, Desbiens.
Ann-Renee Desbiens turned in an unforgettable performance between the pipes Tuesday, making 51 stops to lead Team Canada past longtime international rival Team USA 4-2.
Canada won the top spot in Group A with the victory, while the defending Olympic champions must settle for second place in the group.
The U.S. controlled play for most of the game, outshooting Canada 53-27.
Captain Marie-Philip Poulin and forward Brianne Jenner were Canada's offensive catalysts. Poulin scored the first penalty-shot goal in women's Olympic hockey history and also added an assist. Jenner, meanwhile, potted Canada's first two goals.
Jamie Lee Rattray tallied Canada's other marker. Sarah Fillier, Sarah Nurse, Natalie Spooner, and Micah Zandee-Hart chipped in with assists.
Dani Cameranesi and Alexandra Carpenter scored for Team USA, while Kelly Pannek, Cayla Barnes, Amanda Kessel, and Megan Keller added helpers.
The two powerhouse nations of women's hockey are widely expected to meet again in the gold-medal game Feb. 17.