Emily Clark scores, Canada beats U.S. 3-0 in Game 6 of Rivalry Series

Emily Clark was able to score in her home province as she helped Canada’s women’s hockey team earn a 3-0 win over the United States in Game 6 of the Rivalry Series.

“I don’t go out trying to score goals – I just try to lean into the process, especially today,” said Clark, who is a product of Saskatoon.

“I don’t hate that that one went in. That was obviously really exciting and I’m just so proud of our group for getting the win, especially on home soil and extra home soil for me and Sophie (Shirley). Really pumped we got those two wins.”

The best-of-seven series arrived in Regina at the Brandt Centre on Friday with the U.S. leading it three games to two.

The Americans got out to a series lead with three straight wins – 3-1 in Tempe, Ariz., 5-2 in Los Angeles and 3-2 in Kitchener, Ont.
Canada clawed its way back into the series with a 3-2 win in Sarnia, Ont., and then a 4-2 win in Saskatoon.

On Friday, the first period was scoreless between the two clubs with Canadian goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer and American netminder Aeirn Frankel both making key saves.

Prior to the second period, the massive video scoreclock that hangs at centre ice went out along with the screen at the side of the arena.
Teams went back to their dressing rooms to wait out the issue before the action eventually resumed.

Period two also ended in a 0-0 tie, with Maschmeyer having to make some big saves to keep the Americans off the board with 15 shots taken by the U.S.

The tie was broken under a minute into the third period, with Canada’s Natalie Spooner beating Frankel on the power play for the game’s first goal.

Clark nearly got Canada their second goal but hit the crossbar.

But she made no mistakes just minutes later, using her backhand to get the puck to the back of the net.

Sarah Nurse added an insurance marker for Canada late in the third period.

Maschmeyer stopped all 27 shots she faced in the game.

“My approach was to just take it one shot at a time. I think I am best when I do that and just kind of stay in the moment,” Maschmeyer said. “I faced a lot of rubber today and that was fun for me.”

Canada also overcame five penalties and didn’t allow the Americans to score with the extra player.

“Our powerkill, they are unstoppable and they are on fire,” Spooner said. “They are really good. They got a lot of momentum for us even on the PK.”

Maschmeyer credits the PWHL for helping keep the players at the top of their game for the series.

“It’s been awesome as a goaltender. The last few years just playing with the national team, there’s only a handful of games we do play and as a goaltender, it’s even less,” Maschmeyer said. “This season, having games every few days, its been so much fun. You get to show your consistency and just being able to play so many games, that’s why we play hockey. It’s a lot of fun.”

Clark was ecstatic to get two wins in Saskatchewan.

“I might be biased but I have no complaints. I think (the fans) are amazing,” Clark said. “I absolutely love being from here. I love the people and I’m really pumped they got to experience the Rivalry Series.

“It meant everything (to be here). You dream of getting the chance to play for your national team in your home province and hometown. It’s something I wanted to embrace every second of and my teammates were absolutely amazing for me and Soph knowing how much it meant to us – encouraging us to take the extra lap and look around and enjoy those moments as opposed to push them away. We’re still focused on the job we have to do but that’s kind of the best parts of sports – it’s stories like that.

“I know what it would have meant to me to get to watch a Canada-U.S. game when I was playing minor hockey. I can’t wait until I have teammates or I’m watching the national team and there’s a couple Saskatchewan girls that can reference that watching this game inspired them to get there.”

The Americans will try to stop history from repeating itself in Game 7. Canada was down 3-0 in the series last year and won four straight to win it.

“I think it can give us confidence for sure, knowing we’ve done it before,” Spooner said. “I think anytime you play the U.S., they are always tough games but to know you’ve been able to come back before and win, I think it can give you an extra boost of confidence.”

Game 7 is Sunday at Excel Energy Centre in St. Paul, Minn.

“Nothing like having one game where winner takes all,” Maschmeyer said. “It’s going to be fun.”