Canada vs. Team USA: High Stakes in Preliminary Round Showdown
The preliminary round matchup between Canada and Team USA in women’s hockey promises high stakes as both teams aim to secure the top spot in Group A. The game will take place on Tuesday at 2:10 p.m. ET (11:10 a.m. PT) in Milano Cortina. Although no medals are at stake yet, the outcome will play a crucial role as both teams prepare for the quarterfinals.
Team Performances and Records
Both teams have shown formidable performance in the tournament thus far. Team USA remains undefeated, boasting a 3-0 record. Their victories include:
- 5-1 against Czechia
- 5-0 against Finland
- 5-0 against Switzerland
Canada also holds a strong record, having won its first two matches with scores of:
- 4-0 against Switzerland
- 5-1 against Czechia
In addition, Canada has a pending makeup game against Finland, which was rescheduled due to illness within the Finnish team.
Key Injury Concerns
A significant concern for Team Canada is the status of their captain, Marie-Philip Poulin. During their last match, Poulin suffered a lower-body injury due to a hard hit from Czech player Kristyna Kaltounkova. While she briefly returned, Poulin did not finish the game. Her availability for future matches remains uncertain, and she is currently designated as day-to-day.
Historical Context and Current Rivalry
The historical rivalry between Canada and Team USA adds an extra layer of intensity to this matchup. In recent encounters, Team USA has had the upper hand, winning six consecutive matches against Canada since their last victory in the 2024-25 Rivalry Series. These results included:
- Two wins at the 2025 World Championship
- Four consecutive wins in the 2025 Rivalry Series, with a combined score of 24-7 over those games
As Canada seeks to defend its Olympic title, they will depend heavily on their experienced roster, with 16 players who secured gold in Beijing 2022. Rookies like Julia Gosling and Daryl Watts have also made significant contributions, leading in team scoring.
Special Teams Performance
Canada’s special teams are gaining confidence, especially following their previous matchups. Their power-play unit has notably improved, scoring five power-play goals in two games for a success rate of 55.56%, the highest in the tournament. In contrast, Team USA has a success rate of 30% from the power play.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming game not only serves as a measuring stick for both teams but also enhances their preparation for more critical knockout rounds. With Poulin’s status uncertain, Canada will need to harness the strength of its rookies and bolster its strategies to secure a victory against Team USA.
