Czechia came closer than they ever have before. In the end however, it's USA getting the chance to again play for gold at the IIHF women's World Championships. USA is the only nation in the history of the tournament to play in every single gold medal game.
Tereza Plosoza capitalized off a turnover in the first beating Aerin Frankel to give Czechia a 1-0 lead.
On the power play in the second, Laila Edwards beat Klara Peslarova to tie the game at 1-1 nearing the midway point in the game. Edwards was named MVP at the 2024 World Championships.
In the third, Kelly Pannek two two whacks at the puck before beating Peslarova to give USA a 2-1 lead late in the game, which they would hold onto.
Pannek Having A Spectacular Tournament
Kelly Pannek's game winner was a continuation of a strong tournament for the Minnesota Frost forward. Pannek had struggled in the PWHL this season but found her footing with Team USA sitting second in tournament scoring with four goals and eight points in six games for USA.
The 29-year-old has only managed three goals and 10 points in 27 games this season in the PWHL, but has shown she's offensively capable of more.
The Shots Didn't Represent The Chances
USA outshot Czechia 45-11 in the game, but Czechia had their chances to score. While USA won in quantity, the quality of Czechia's chances showed the nation has made considerable strides. Kristyna Kaltounkova was a game changer for Czechia being named one of their top three players in the tournament alongside Adela Sapovalivova and Katerina Mrazova.
USA will now await the winner of Canada versus Finland for gold, while Czechia will take on the loser for bronze.