Coyne Schofield Scores Twice As USA Escapes Finnish Challenge

Kendall Coyne Schofield scored twice as the USA escaped an early scare from Finland to remain undefeated at the 2024 IIHF World Championships on home soil.

UTICA, New York -- Kendall Coyne Schofield may not wear the 'C' for the United States these days, but it has not stopped her from leading her team through adversity.

Coyne Schofield scored twice, including the eventual game winner, as the United States escaped with a 5-3 win over Finland at the IIHF Women's World Championship on Saturday.

"They're phenomenal, there's no doubt about that," Coyne Schofield said of Finland. "They're skilled. They play with pace. They always have ever since I put on this jersey."

Coyne Schofield gave the Americans a 4-2 lead at 11:40 of the second period. The forward's shot from the right circle hit Finnish defender Jenni Hiirikoski's skate and slid between goalie Anni Keisala's pads.

The Finns pulled within a goal in the final minute of the period when Sofianna Sundelin got behind the U.S. defense and put a backhand over an outstretched Aerin Frankel.

But Coyne Schofield re-built the Americans' two-goal cushion 15 seconds into the third period. After Hilary Knight hit the left post trying to stuff the puck past Keisala, Alex Carpenter fed the puck across to Coyne Schofield at the right side where she tapped it in.

"Playing with those two, Carpy and Hil, they're always in the right place at the right time," Coyne Schofield said. "I just put my stick down, go to work and do what I can and compliment them."

She nearly completed a hat trick with 37 seconds remaining in regulation, but shot just wide of an empty net.

Coyne Schofield served as Team USA's captain from 2019 through 2022. Knight took over the role at 2023 World Championship while Coyne Schofield was pregnant with her son, Drew.

"She's the best in the world, in my opinion," said U.S. and PWHL Minnesota teammate Taylor Heise. "To come back (after giving birth) and be even better, be on the top of her game, I can't speak more about her."

Heise and Abbey Murphy finished with a goal and an assist apiece for the Americans, who improved to 3-0 in Group A competition.

Heise put the U.S. ahead for good 7:42 into the period. After serving a penalty for hooking, she hopped out of the box and took a pass from Murphy along the boards. The forward skated into the left circle and rifled a shot inside the far post.

"I was not happy about that call," Heise said. "Murph, she's got eyes in the back of her head. She saw me come out of the box and I know you've got to get feet out of the box, stick on the ground, before you can catch the puck. (Hannah) Bilka made beeline to the backside of the net, took the defense away and I had a good look."

Elisa Holopainen scored two power play goals in the first period for the Finns, who dropped to 0-3 in round-robin play.

Holopainen opened the scoring 6:54 into the game. The forward carried the puck to the left faceoff dot and fired a wrist shot to the top, far corner over Frankel's glove.

Team USA's Murphy squared it 64 seconds later. After Bilka was unable to knock the puck past Keisala from the front of the crease, Murphy knocked in the rebound from the left side.

Knight gave the Americans a 2-1 lead with 1:44 remaining in the opening period when her shot from the left circle tipped off a stick in front and over Keisala's left shoulder.

But Holopainen struck again with 25 seconds to go in the period. The 22-year-old weaved through traffic and, using Viivi Vainikka as a screen in front, put a wrist shot in the top, right corner from the slot.

Entering the contest, the Finns had been outscored 8-1 in games versus Canada and Czechia. But their strategy to shoot high on the 5-foot-2 Frankel helped them regain a scoring touch.

"We were ready for this game," Finland head coach Jusso Toivola said. "We had some key moments, but unfortunately they were stronger today. I'm happy we scored."

Keisala finished with 40 saves, including 16 in the final period.