MILAN — Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin returned from injury and tied the record for most goals in women’s Olympic ice hockey as the defending champions reached the semi-finals with a 5-1 win over Germany on Saturday.
Five-time Olympian Poulin missed her team’s plast two games after suffering a knee injury in Canada’s 5-1 win over the Czech Republic on Monday, but returned in style to score her 18th Games goal, equaling the record of fellow Canadian Hayley Wickenheiser.
“Honestly, I just wanted to be back on the ice with the girls,” Poulin said when asked about the record.
“I didn’t think about that. Lucky enough, it went in. It was a great play by our power play. But we just wanted that win and getting ready for the semi.”
Canada saw off Germany with Brianne Jenner and Claire Thompson scoring in the opening period. Sarah Fillier and Blayre Turnbull added to the scoreline before Franziska Feldmeier scored for the Germans, with Poulin finding the net with less than five minutes left.
Canada opened the scoring in the second minute with Jenner finishing off Emma Maltais’ pass in front of the goal to net her first at these Games, and it appeared Germany would be in for a long night.
The Canadians had a power play shortly after taking the lead but the shor-thanded Germans came closest to scoring, rattling off three shots as Canada failed to threaten.
Canada was struggling to break down the German defense when a mistake from goaltender Sandra Abstreiter allowed the defending champions to double their lead. Thompson shot from a distance and the puck sailed through the goalie’s legs.
Canada upped the ante in the second period in terms of shots, but only added a third goal on a power play late with Fillier firing off a quick-release shot from a wide angle that beat Abstreiter and went in off the far post.
Turnbull got the Canadians off to a lightning start in the final period, scoring just 38 seconds in, but they conceded a short-handed goal to give Germany a consolation.
Feldmeier made a solo breakaway from behind her own blue line, outpacing Daryl Watts on her way to the net before beating Canadian goalie Emerance Maschmeyer to give the German fans something to celebrate.
The loudest cheer of the night, however, was reserved for Canada’s captain when she found the net on the power play. Poulin hovered close to the goal, waiting to pounce, and was there to tap in Fillier’s pass.
The United States already is through to the last four after a 6-0 win over Italy, along with Sweden, who beat the Czechs 2-0. Finland faces Switzerland later on Saturday in the last quarterfinal.
Teams will be re-seeded after the quarterfinal matches are done to determine the semifinal pairings.
Reuters, Special to Field Level Media
