VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Jenny Potter scored three goals Sunday and the American women's hockey team opened its bid for an Olympic gold medal by blasting China 12-1.
The Chinese goal came with 39 seconds left in the third period.
The United States won the gold when women's hockey was introduced into the Olympics 12 years ago but the Americans had to settle for a silver in Salt Lake City and a bronze in Turin.
In the first Group B game of the Olympics, the Americans needed less than 3 minutes to score their first goal and eventually took a 5-0 lead after one period. Potter scored twice in the opening stanza and added a goal 1:18 into the second.
Molly Schaus was in goal for the United States through the first two periods and faced only five shots. Brianne McLaughlin came in for the final 8 minutes and gave up China's lone goal.
In the other Group B game, Finland gave up the first goal of the contest and then came back to defeat Russia 5-1. Nina Tikkinen scored twice in the third period to put the game out of reach.
The United States will play Russia Tuesday.
Sweden and Canada won their opening Group A encounters Saturday. The top two finishers in each of the groups after round-robin play will earn a spot in the semifinals.
Canada, which defeated Slovakia 18-0 in its first game, is trying for its third straight Olympic title.
