With the exception of forward Joy Dunne, the USA had brought an all-PWHL roster to Denmark. However, Switzerland and star goaltender Andrea Brändli – who is also PWHL-bound for the upcoming season – did an excellent job of keeping the star-studded American team at bay during the opening stages of the game.
But nine minutes into the first period, the USA struck for the first time. Hannah Bilka scored her 22nd career Top Division goal to make it 1-0.
Two American penalties within just a few seconds of each other handed Switzerland the momentum, allowing the Swiss to move the puck around effectively and create some pressure. However, Aerin Frankel between the American pipes dealt comfortably with the attempts that came her way.
A fine solo effort from Hannah Bilka was denied by Brändli as the first period came to an end, with the favourites holding a narrow one-goal lead.
The USA turned up the pressure in earnest in the second period.
No time to breathe for Switzerland
Hilary Knight had the first opportunity of the period, coming close to scoring with a deflection. Her attempt marked the beginning of sustained American pressure around Brändli's net. Eventually, the Swiss defence could hold out no longer. After a prolonged spell of American pressure and plenty of movement around the goal, Casey O'Brien finally found the net from close range at 23:44 to make it 2-0.
There was little respite for Switzerland in the second period. Nora Harju managed a decent shot on Frankel during a counterattack, but otherwise the Americans were all over their opponents, giving the Swiss little time to breathe with their relentless pressure and quick puck movement whenever they got the chance.
A penalty to Rory Guilday offered Switzerland an opportunity to get back into the game. Naemi Herzig produced a decent effort, and the Swiss created a couple of half-chances, but as soon as the USA returned to full strength, they took control again, eventually forcing Ivana Wey into a hooking penalty.
It took the dominant Americans just 15 seconds to convert the power play into another goal. Laila Edwards made it 3-0, and shortly afterwards Hannah Bilka missed a breakaway opportunity in what had been a thoroughly difficult second period for the Olympic bronze medallists.
The USA outshot Switzerland by a commanding 15-3 in the second period, underlining their complete dominance.
Four free birds flying in the third period
Hannah Bilka made Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" – the unofficial American hockey anthem – ring out for the fourth time that evening when she scored to make it 4-0. Shortly afterwards, Nora Harju found space for another counterattack, her second promising break of the game, but a superb backcheck from Laila Edwards denied her the opportunity to get a shot away.
Joy Dunne had a breakaway opportunity of her own, but was denied by Brändli, who was certainly kept busy throughout the evening in the Swiss net.
Kirsten Simms then produced some silky-smooth moves before picking her spot and firing the puck into the corner to make it 5-0. The Americans showed no signs of taking their foot off the gas. Hilary Knight added a sixth goal at 48:38, prompting Switzerland to call a timeout.
That move took the gas out of the game but the Swiss couldn’t deny the 7-0 and final goal scored by Layla Edwards.
