USA vs. Canada is the women's Olympic hockey rematch everyone was waiting for

"Since women's hockey was introduced as an Olympic sport in 1998, the only two teams that have won gold are the United States and Canada. That will remain true this year. The rest of the world is starting to catch up, with emerging programs from Sweden, Czechia and even Switzerland, which made a surprising semifinal run. However, the North Americans remain the gold standard on the international stage."

""Knowing the pressure of that moment, the energy in the building, it's going to be different," said U.S. veteran Kendall Coyne Schofield, who has already played in three Olympic gold-medal matches. "But really it's just about emptying the tank. Whatever you have left. It's a long tournament, just empty it. Go out there and give it your best. That's all you can do.""

"The U.S. women have absolutely dominated in Milan. They have outscored opponents 31-1, scoring at least five goals in every game. Team USA enters the final with five straight shutouts -- including its beatdown of Canada last week. Coach John Wroblewski has preached the importance of rolling four lines since before the tournament, and he has been able to achieve that so far. The Americans have received contributions from everyone."

Women's Olympic hockey gold has been won only by the United States and Canada since 1998. Canada holds five of seven gold medals and is the reigning champion after a 3-2 victory over the U.S. in 2022. Team USA enters the Milan final as the overwhelming favorite after sweeping a four-game Rivalry Series and outscoring opponents 31-1 with five consecutive shutouts. Coach John Wroblewski emphasizes rolling four lines, and fifteen different U.S. players have scored. Emerging programs in Sweden, Czechia and Switzerland are improving, but North American teams remain the international benchmark.

Read at ESPN.com