Day 14 at the Winter Olympics: USA vs Canada. 7th Time. Gold Medal Game.
The rivalry returns to center stage as the Americans chase their first Olympic gold since 2018 and Canada leans on history and experience in Milan.
We’re about to watch what could be one of the greatest women’s hockey games in history.
Here we go again.
For the seventh time in Olympic history, the United States and Canada meet for women’s hockey gold.
All time at the Olympics, Canada leads 7 to 4. In gold medal games, Canada holds a 5 to 2 edge. Across all competitions, Canada owns a 106-87-1 record against the United States.
The United States has controlled this tournament from the opening puck drop. The Americans went undefeated in group play for the first time since 2010 and outscored opponents 20 to 1. That stretch included a 5 to 0 win over Canada to secure the top seed in Group A. They followed that with a quarterfinal win over Italy and another 5 to 0 shutout against Sweden in the semifinals. Through six games, they have dictated pace, won special teams, and limited defensive breakdowns.
The numbers back up the eye test. The Americans have recorded three shutouts. Aerin Frankel has not allowed a goal in 331 minutes and 23 seconds, the longest shutout streak in Olympic women’s hockey history. They roll four lines. They attack in waves. They do not spend much time defending.
Canada’s path has required more adjustments. Their opener was delayed, and captain Marie Philip Poulin missed most of the preliminary round with a lower body injury. Canada lost 5 to 0 to the United States in group play, a result that exposed gaps in transition and defensive coverage. After that loss, they responded with wins over Finland and Germany to reach the semifinals, then defeated Switzerland to book another meeting with their rivals.
Poulin returned and broke Hayley Wickenheiser’s Olympic women’s scoring record. Her presence changes the structure of Canada’s top line and power play. Daryl Watts has made the most of her first Olympic appearance, leading the team with eight points. Sarah Fillier and Julia Gosling have provided steady production, and the power play ranks first in the tournament. Canada has relied more on its younger core for offense while veterans such as Jocelyne Larocque, Erin Ambrose, and Natalie Spooner look to raise their level in the final.
This final will hinge on pace and discipline. The United States thrives when games open up, and shifts turn into track meets. Their defense joins the rush, and their forwards pressure turnovers high in the zone. Canada needs cleaner exits, stronger net front presence, and fewer penalties. They must limit odd-man rushes and force the Americans to play below the goal line.
The United States enters with more speed and deeper scoring. Canada enters with experience and a proven ability to deliver in gold medal moments. Last week’s result suggests a gap, though finals rarely mirror preliminary games.
Top Scorers
United States
• Caroline Harvey, 9 points
• Hannah Bilka, 7 points
• Megan Keller, 7 points
• Laila Edwards, 7 points
• Abbey Murphy, 7 points
Canada
• Daryl Watts, 8 points
• Sarah Fillier, 6 points
• Julia Gosling, 5 points
• Three players with 4 points
Expect a tighter contest. Expect more push from Canada. Still, the United States has controlled this matchup for months and brings the sharper form into Milan. The Americans hold the edge and are positioned to claim their first Olympic gold since 2018.
Puck drop is set for Thursday, Feb. 19, at 1:10 p.m. ET.
No other coverage today, and I apologize for that. You’ll be able to find the latest medal count here.
And that’s it for this one. What are your predictions for Day 15? Put them down in the comments below.
As always, if you have any questions about the Winter Olympics, thoughts on the coverage, or anything else, feel free to drop them in the comments or DM me. I’m always happy to answer questions.
I’ll be back tomorrow with what actually mattered.