Poulin Leads Canada Back to Olympic Gold Medal Game
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By Ava Tremblay
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Summary:
- Marie-Philip Poulin scored twice and set a new Olympic scoring record as Canada beat Switzerland 2-1 in the semifinal.
- Canada will face the United States for gold, with the Americans dominating the tournament so far.
- This will be Canada’s eighth straight Olympic final, continuing one of sport’s greatest rivalries.
Canada is inches away from securing a new Olympic title, but the win they need might be the toughest yet. The Canadians are headed back to the women’s hockey gold medal game after edging Switzerland 2-1 in the semifinal, setting up another showdown with the United States.
As usual, Marie-Philip Poulin led the way when it mattered most.
Historic Game for Poulin
The Canadian captain scored both goals and made history in the process. With her performance, she became the first woman to reach 20 career Olympic goals, breaking the previous record of 18 held by Hayley Wickenheiser.
Poulin once again delivered in a big moment, adding another chapter to her already legendary Olympic career.
Canada controlled most of the game and built a 2-0 lead through two periods. Poulin opened the scoring early in the second when her shot deflected and fluttered past Swiss goaltender Andrea Braendli. Later in the period, she fought through contact near the crease and still managed to poke in a rebound while falling.
Switzerland did not make it easy. After being heavily outshot through two periods, the Swiss pushed back in the third. A turnover behind the Canadian net led to a goal by Enzler, cutting the lead in half and making things tense late.
The Swiss pulled their goalie in the final minutes, hoping to force overtime, but a late penalty against Ivana Wey ended that opportunity. Canada held on from there.
Goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens had a quiet night compared to her counterpart, finishing with seven saves. Braendli, meanwhile, was outstanding despite the loss, stopping 43 shots and keeping her team in the game.
Taylor Heise: “It’s the Gold Medal Game”
The United States earned its spot in the final with a dominant 5-0 win over Sweden and has been overwhelming throughout the tournament. The Americans have outscored opponents 31-1, making them a formidable opponent.
US forward Taylor Heise said,
It’s the gold medal game. Everyone’s going to show up, and if they don’t, they’re not meant to be there.
This final will add another chapter to the long rivalry between the two countries. Canada has reached every Olympic final since women’s hockey was added in 1998 and holds a 5-2 record in those games, with both losses coming against the United States.
Now, with another gold medal on the line, the two rivals will meet again in a rematch of the 2022 Final which the Canadians won.
