US women’s hockey on the brink of legacy in dream matchup vs Canada for gold

This will be their seventh gold medal matchup in eight Olympics since women’s hockey debuted in 1998 SportWinter OlympicsUS women’s hockey on brink of legacy in dream matchup against Canada for gold This will be their seventh gold medal matchup in eight Olympics since women’s hockey debuted in 1998John Wawrow Wednesday 18 February 2026 21:53 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverUSA vs. Canada Women's Hockey: Gold Medal ShowdownYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreMonths before the U.S. team’s dominant run at the Milan Cortina Olympics, and prior to her recent engagement, American captain Hilary Knight had already anticipated a gold medal final against Canada with hope. That anticipation has now become a thrilling reality.Speaking to The Associated Press in early November, Knight, 36, mused on the fitting end to her Olympic career with one more battle against Canada. "It’s best on best. I think people really like it when our two teams face off," she stated. "It’s a testament to the work that both have put in off ice and on ice. So, yeah, it would definitely be a win-win from a 30,000-foot view."The 36-year-old Knight now faces this reality as the sport’s global powers prepare to meet on Thursday. This will be their seventh gold medal matchup in eight Olympics since women’s hockey debuted in 1998, and the fifth for Knight, who has indicated these will be her final Games.One plus for Canada is the return of Marie-Philip Poulin, who missed the loss to the U.S. with a right knee injury. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)“It’s exciting. It’s fleeting. It’s all these emotions at the same time,” Knight said after practice Wednesday, hours after she proposed to U.S. speedskater Brittany Bowe.“At the end of the day it’s just so special,” she added. “And I can’t tell you enough how amazing this group is.”The Americans are favored to add a third gold medal after winning in 1998 and 2018. The team has a mix of experience, led by Knight, and young talent, including seven players still in college.The U.S. has outscored its six opponents by a combined 31-1 while not allowing a goal in more than 331 minutes. That streak dates to Barbora Jurickova scoring on a breakaway in the second period of a tournament-opening 5-1 win over Czechia.Americans have legacy on the lineThe Americans stand one win from cementing a legacy as one of the most dominant women's hockey teams.“If we get the job done (Thursday) night, I think that statement holds true,” Kendall Coyne Schofield said.The defending champion Canadians haves shown signs of age and struggled through parts of the tournament. Canada is 5-1, having dropped a 5-0 decision to the U.S. in the preliminary round — its most lopsided loss and its first time being shut out in Olympic play.Canada advanced to the final by eking out a 2-1 win over Switzerland, after which Swiss captain Lara Stalder said the winners looked “shaky” and “beatable.”The Canadians acknowledge they’ve yet to play their best, and they know anything can happen in the final.“This group does have it in us,” coach Troy Ryan said.Added goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens: “It’s a new day. We’re all excited, and I know this team is going to play with a lot of pride and a lot of maturity.”Poulin's returnOne plus for Canada is the return of Marie-Philip Poulin, who missed the loss to the U.S. with a right knee injury. Since her return, “Captain Clutch” has three goals in two games, including both in the win against Switzerland.“I am ready,” Poulin said. “We’re all coming down to one game here, and it can go either way, and we all know that. The team is going to be ready to go deliver their game. And obviously we trust in this room.”The U.S. has won seven straight against Canada dating to its preliminary-round and gold-medal victories at the world championships in April. The Americans followed with a four-game sweep of the exhibition Rivalry Series, outscoring Canada 24-7.“It’s a nonfactor,” Ryan said. “We know we’d like to play better in those seven games. I don’t think they’re going to impact the gold medal a bit.”Since 1998, Canada holds the edge with five Olympic and 13