Beijing: Canada beat the United States by a score of 3-2 to take the final of women’s ice hockey during the Beijing Olympics on Thursday, taking back the gold medal that the Americans had taken away from the Canadians four years ago Pyeongchang.
Captain Marie-Philip Poulin scored the game-winning goal with a rebound in the second half. The outnumbered U.S. team recorded 40 shots to Canada’s 21 in the whole game. Still, they were unable to score when it mattered.
Forward Hannah Brandt nearly got the U.S. on the board within the first three minutes of play with an attempt from her wrist that bounced off the post. However, a reasonable goal for Canada in the middle of the frame was canceled following the U.S. challenge for offsides.
However, Canadian Sharpshooter Sarah Nurse got her team moving shortly after that. Poulin made it even more competitive just 15 minutes in the opening by stealing the puck before whipping it over American goalie Alex Cavallini.
She scored the game-winning shot halfway through the second half, scoring the ball rebounding off Cavallini’s pads.
A four-time Olympian Hilary Knight retaliated, making it possible for the Americans in the frame with a sloppy effort in less than four minutes remaining in the game.
Amanda Kessel converted on a power play just 13 seconds into the third in the third period after the U.S. removed their goalie in the third to bring the match to a dramatic final.
When the last second was off the clock, and the clock was turned off, the Canadians were euphoric by throwing their hands in the air and smacking each other in a riot of complete joy. Gained sweet redemption just four years after the Americans ended their streak of four consecutive golds during a crushing shootout defeat.
The nurse was the first to record the most assists and points in one women’s Olympic event. At the same time, Poulin gained the nickname “Captain Clutch” before Thursday’s performance – finished the day as Beijing’s second-highest leading scorer.
Finland defeated Switzerland the day before 4-0 to win bronze.
The win on Thursday was the culmination of a dominant event for Canadians that have not lost any game. They also scored an 11-0 shutout against Sweden in the quarter-finals and a 10-3 victory over Switzerland.