February 17, (THEWILL) – A 3-2 win over the United States on Thursday in Beijing, saw Canada win its fifth Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey. The 2018 Olympic champions, the American ladies, took home their fourth silver medal.
In the first period, with 12:10 left, Sarah Nurse scored the first goal for Canada. Claire Thompson’s 13th point in her debut Olympics came with an assist on the goal, nearly double the previous Olympic record for most points by a defender (seven) in a single Games.
Five minutes later, Marie-Philip Poulin placed Canada up 2-0 in her fourth consecutive gold medal game. She became the only player in Olympic history to score in four gold medal games, male or female.
Canada continued their great form in the second period when Poulin scored her third goal of the game, and her eighth in an Olympic gold medal clash. Nurse’s assist on the play gave her her 18th point of the tournament, breaking Hayley Wickenheiser’s record for most points in a single game.
With 3:21 left in the second, Team USA finally got on the board. In her fourth Games, veteran Hilary Knight scored a short-handed goal to cut the deficit to 3-1.
At over three minutes left, the US women made a late drive, tugging the goalkeeper, though without finding another goal as they charged relentlessly at the Canadian post.
There was hope when, with 1:25 remained in the game, Poulin was sent to the box for tripping, giving the Americans a six-on-four advantage for the rest of the game. Amanda Kessel took advantage of the situation, scoring with 12.5 seconds left to cut the score to one, but the Americans were unable to draw the game.
Poulin’s second goal of the game would be her third gold medal-winning goal in her Olympic career.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
