We’ve seen this enthralling movie script several times in the past, but how will it end on Thursday?
The Americans vs Canadians have been one of the greatest rivalries in modern sports, particularly in hockey for nearly three decades. The hatred and dramatic theatrics between the two teams haven’t faded and will unfold.
The rivalry initially began back in 2001, when Team USA used the Canadian flag as a rug in the locker room. That did not sit well with Team Canada’s Haley Wickenheiser, who at that time was the heart and soul of that team.
“The Americans had our flag on their floor in the dressing room. And now I want to know if they want us to sign it.” Those were the words from Wickenheiser after Canada had defeated Team USA for the gold in 2002.
It is no surprise that these two will clash on the international stage battling for the gold that’ll be the seventh time since 1998, back when women’s hockey made its debut in the Nagano Olympic Games.
The Canadians have had a strong showing since the tourney began and are hoping to carry that momentum into the championship game against the Americans.
Their last game against Switzerland was an evenly matched game, winning by one goal, 2-1. Ann-Renee Desbiens had an easy night, thanks to the defense only allowing one goal on eight shots. Desbiens also set a record for recording the most wins (9) in Canadian women’s history, and on Thursday, Canada will need her to step it up in a major way against Team USA who’ve showered other teams with shots.
Captain Marie-Philip Poulin will be in the lineup this time around, giving Team Canada some hope against Team USA that have been blowing the competition out of the water. Poulin knows the challenge that they will be facing. A team with a brick wall in net, has taken an insane amount of shot attempts, and has only given up a total of 95 shots to opposing teams in 6 games.
Shots Allowed/Shots Attempts for Team USA:
(14) Czechia | (42) USA
(11) Finland | (49) USA
(21) Switzerland | (50) USA
(20) Canada | (33) USA
(6) Italy | (51) USA
(23) Sweden | (34) USA
Captain of Team Canada, Marie-Philip Poulin on a rematch for gold against Team USA:
“It’s going to be all about heart. All about the work. All about the desperation.”
- – Captain of Team Canada, Marie-Philip Poulin
Canada allowed the least amount of shots from Team USA even though they got skunked during their last bout. With Poulin back in action we are bound to see a highly competitive electric dogfight come puck drop on Thursday.
Team USA Defenseman, Laila Edwards on her anticipation for the “Quest for Gold”:
“Personally, I play my best when I’m having fun. We’re so confident in ourselves and in each other. We just don’t miss a beat.”
- – Team USA Defenseman, Laila Edwards
The Americans are having the time of their lives beating the breaks off any team that steps up and doesn’t show any signs of mercy, releasing their hands from the neck of Canada. All players on Team USA seem very upbeat with all the confidence in the world to dethrone Team Canada to bring back the gold.
Thursday… It. Is. On.
Dante Robinson | Senior PWHL Analyst for The NSR Network
