Canada is set to face the United States for the women's Olympic hockey gold medal, continuing the sport's defining rivalry. Captain Marie-Philip Poulin led the way in the semifinal, scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Switzerland.
With her two goals, Poulin became the first woman to score 20 career Olympic goals, breaking the previous record of 18 held by her former teammate Hayley Wickenheiser. The United States advanced to the final with a commanding 5-0 win over Sweden.
Canada has now reached all eight Olympic finals since women's hockey debuted in 1998. Their only two gold-medal game losses have come against the United States, setting the stage for another high-stakes chapter in this historic rivalry. The American team has been dominant in Milan, outscoring opponents 31-1 on their path to the final.
Switzerland's goaltender Andrea Brändli made 43 saves in a valiant effort, but Poulin's second-period goals proved decisive. Canada will now attempt to defend its Olympic title against a relentless U.S. squad.