us women's hockey: Knight and Poulin Face Off in Milan Cortina Olympic Final

The stage is set for another chapter in one of the greatest rivalries in winter sports. The United States and Canada meet Thursday (ET) for the Olympic gold medal in women's hockey, a matchup that has become the default final since the sport debuted at the Games. For the U. S., it could be a storybook sendoff for a decorated captain. For Canada, it is a chance to defend a throne and add to an already historic résumé.

Knight's swan song: leadership, records and a final push

Hilary Knight arrives at this final knowing it will likely be her last Olympic appearance. She announced before the Games that this would be her fifth and final Olympics, and she has openly said she wants to finish her Olympic career on a high note. Knights's presence has been a constant for this program: she combines elite skill with a leadership style that tilts the tone of every game. Her accomplishments are significant—Olympic gold, three silvers, and a dominance at the world championship level that includes multiple titles and all-time marks in goals, assists and points in IIHF competition. She is also tied for the U. S. record in Olympic goals and points, and she remains a primary offensive driver every time she steps on the ice.

Team USA has rallied around the mantra of flipping the script against their northern rivals. Younger pieces of the roster have stepped up alongside seasoned veterans, and players who remember the disappointment of the last Games say the rebuilding toward gold began the moment those medals were handed out four years ago. Defender Caroline Harvey has been a spark in this tournament, leading the Americans in points, and the group’s collective work ethic has been on display throughout the run to the final.

Poulin's clutch legacy and Canada's roadmap to repeat

Opposite Knight stands Marie-Philip Poulin, a player whose career has been defined by late-game heroics. Nicknamed for her ability to finish at the biggest moments, she has scored the decisive goal in multiple Olympic gold-medal victories. This tournament added another milestone to her résumé: she eclipsed the women's Olympic goal record and extended that mark, becoming the first woman to reach 20 Olympic goals. Her calm under pressure and uncanny timing make her the archetypal 'clutch' performer.

Canada arrives in this final intent on repeating as Olympic champions, a mission that has animated the team since their last Olympic gold. While the path to the title has not been without challenge, the squad has shown depth, experience and a willingness to endure the grind of tournament play. The interplay between veteran leadership and younger contributors has been central to their success, and the blueprint is clear: lean on institutional experience in high-leverage moments while letting skilled forwards like Poulin create decisive plays.

Stakes, narratives and what to watch Thursday (ET)

This final carries weight beyond the medal itself. Between them, the two programs have claimed every Olympic gold awarded in the sport’s history, and this matchup represents the seventh Olympic final between the neighbors. For viewers and players alike, the contest is both a continuation of a storied rivalry and a personal crossroads for the stars involved. Key elements to watch include special teams execution, the matchup battles between top lines, and how coaching staffs adapt midgame to neutralize their opponent’s strengths.

For Knight, the game is an opportunity to leave Olympic ice with another crowning achievement. For Poulin, it is another chance to add a chapter to a career defined by clutch moments. For both nations, the final on Thursday (ET) is the culmination of four years of work and the single game that will define part of a decade-long tale of rivalry, resilience and elite-level women's hockey.