U.S. edges Czechs to reach final at women's hockey worlds

Kelly Pannek scored to rally the United States past the host Czech Republic 2-1 and into the final at the women's hockey world championship on Saturday in Ceske Budejovice.

In Sunday's final, the U.S. will play defending champion Canada or last year's bronze medalist Finland, who meet in the other semifinal later Saturday.

With the victory, the Americans improved to 6-0 against the Czechs all-time at the worlds and 3-0 in semifinals.

Laila Edwards also scored for the U.S. and captain Hilary Knight recorded an assist to increase her record at the worlds to 52. U.S. goalie Aerin Frankel made 10 saves.

Pannek has earned at least a point in every U.S. game and leads the team with four goals.

Pannek skated around the net and her backhand shot was saved by Czech goalie Klara Peslarova, but she netted the winner on a rebound 8:26 into the final period.

Two for <a href="https://twitter.com/usahockey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usahockey</a>!