Easy win

Canada women cruise in women's hockey opener

Canada's Colleen Sostorics (5) gets tripped up by Kazakhstan's Olga Potapova. AP

TORONTO (Reuters) -- The Canadian women's hockey team cruised to victory over Kazakhstan on Monday, easily taking their opening Olympic contest with a 7-0 shutout.

After getting on the scoreboard just over two minutes into the first period, the Canadian squad went on to fire 66 shots on young Kazakh goalie Natalya Trunova.

Canadian forward Danielle Goyette said she was pleased with the victory, but added that despite going five for nine with the extra player, her team could still improve their power play game.

For its part, Kazakhstan stood up well to the heavily favored Canadians, Goyette said. During the 2001 World Championships, Canada defeated Kazakhstan 11-0.

"This year, for sure, Kazakhstan is a much better team," she said in an interview with CBC television following the game.

Veteran forward Hayley Wickenheiser netted two goals, earning player of the game status for Canada.

With over 60 chances around the net, the Canadians will have to turn more of those shots into goals, Wickenheiser said, especially against the reigning Olympic champions from the United States.

"We have to be just a little more intense in front of the net," she told CBC. "We would like to capitalize a little more on some of the better chances we had."

Although not seriously tested, Canadian goalie Kim St. Pierre made 11 saves for the shutout.

Canada's next game is on Wednesday when it meets Russia, a country expected to challenge Finland for the bronze medal.

It is widely expected the gold medal game will see Canada square off against their arch-rival, the U.S. team, which has defeated the Canadians in eight straight meetings.

 

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