Murphy scores twice as U.S. blanks Czechs

CESKE BUDEJOVICE, Czech Republic (AP) — The United States proved its favorite status by shutting out host Czechia 4-0 at the women’s ice hockey world championship on Friday.

Abbey Murphy led with two goals, Alex Carpenter had a goal and and assist, and captain Hilary Knight also scored to claim their second straight win in Group A.

Czech goalie Michaela Hesová had to face 48 shots while her U.S. counterpart Gwyneth Philips stopped 10 for the shutout.

Murphy scored the opener with a one-timed slap shot from the left circle with 5:02 to go in the opening period and roofed the second from close range 6:58 into the second.

Knight tapped in the puck that bounced off the boards behind the goal early in the third period.

Knight, the all-time leading scorer at the worlds, improved her record to 67.

Carpenter deflected in a shot by Megan Keller from the blue line on a power play for 4-0.

It was the third assist for Keller in the game.

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AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey