USA get off to a good start – Canada scores
The USA initially started the game a little better. Joel Johnson’s team played well, combined well and created a few chances in the early stages. However, the Americans were a bit ineffective in front of goal and missed the lead they really deserved.
The Canadians did better: Sarah Nurse (8th minute) put her team in the lead. After a goal denied by video evidence shortly before, it was only the second chance for the world champion. “Team Canada” followed suit before the first third break. Captain Marie-Philip Poulin made it 2-0 in the 16th minute. Meanwhile, the lead was deserved, Canada was ice cold in front of the goal.
Canada increased
The second third was also a very fast-paced final. The USA tried to play for a second goal, but struggled with the Canadians’ well-structured and aggressive defense. At the same time, they continued to make good use of their opportunities. In the 30th minute it was Poulin again who made it 3-0.
Now the United States faced a mammoth task. The team looked battered and had problems to raise their game. Accordingly, quite surprisingly, Hilary Knight (37th) made the 1:3 outnumbered. The US took advantage of a brief Canada oversight and put themselves on the scoreboard.
USA won’t come back
In the final section, however, the USA found their way back into the game too late. Only ten seconds before the end, Amanda Kessel (60th) scored the goal. The remaining time was not enough for the equalizer and Canada deservedly secured the gold medal. After winning the Olympics in 2018, the USA had to settle for silver this time.