The stage is officially set in the 2026 Milan Cortina Games — the United States against Canada for women’s hockey gold on Thursday night.Since women’s hockey joined the Olympic schedule in 1998, only the U.S. or Canada has ever won gold. And six of the seven gold-medal games in Olympic history have been between these two countries.Both teams understand that better than anyone, but it’s been Canada winning four of those six matchups, including the most recent Olympic Games in Beijing in 2022.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThis time around, though, it’s Team USA that is the heavy favorite to take home gold when the puck drops at 1:10 p.m. ET in Milan.While it was a 3-2 win in 2022 for Team Canada, the U.S. dominated them, 5-0, to finish their preliminary round games on Feb. 10.So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at how each team got to the Olympic final, and more importantly, what to expect between these bitter rivals.TEAM USA WOMEN’S HOCKEY SHUTS OUT SWEDEN, MOVES TO GOLD MEDAL GAME AT WINTER OLYMPICSSince touching down in Milan and hitting the ice together, it’s been an onslaught of offense for Team USA, and virtually nothing from their opponents.The U.S. has outscored their opponents 31-1 entering Thursday’s game, tallying at least five goals in every game thus far.Since that last game against Canada, Team USA defeated Italy, 6-0, in the quarterfinal. Then, it was another dominant performance against Sweden in the semifinal round on Monday, 5-0, at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.And it hasn’t just been a few Americans who have contributed on the scoresheet, but 15 total players scoring goals. The puck is being spread around through players like Alex Carpenter, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Laila Edwards, Caroline Harvey and many more.Momentum couldn’t be higher for this group entering the game they’ve been waiting for since 2022.Despite the 5-0 loss to Team USA, this Canadian bunch has still been a clear favorite in most of their games, including a 4-0 final over Switzerland to start their Olympic journey.Then, a 5-1 win over Czechia and 5-0 finish over Finland after the loss to the U.S. had them looking ahead to a Germany matchup in the quarterfinal.It was a 5-1 finish for Team Canada, taking care of business before having a tougher time against Switzerland in the semifinal. But the game was a tight 2-1 win for Canada, as they made their way back to the gold-medal game with the chance to defend their 2022 title.For those who haven’t watched the U.S. women’s hockey games thus far in the Olympics, Harvey will be a player who immediately stands out. And those who have been following usually can’t wait to see Harvey’s shifts, considering the skill that has been on display in Milan.Harvey, a strong skater with tremendous stick skills and vision as a defensewoman, has been getting praise from the men’s hockey team, including Matthew Tkachuk. Harvey is only 23 years old and still a senior at Wisconsi
Bitter rivals clash as US women’s hockey eyes Olympic gold medal in final against defending champion Canada
