U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Sweeps Canada 4‑1 in Final Rivalry Series Game

In a decisive 4‑1 victory, the U.S. women’s hockey squad swept Canada in the final game of the Rivalry Series, with captain Hilary Knight delivering a double‑goal performance in the third period.

Game Overview

The match, held on Saturday night in Edmonton, Alberta, was the last of the four games before the two nations meet again in a preliminary‑round Olympic encounter on February 10 in Milan. The Americans secured a clean sweep of the series, winning all four contests.

Key Moments

• Second Period: Defender Caroline Harvey opened the scoring at 5:13 of the second period. A minute later, Canadian forward Brianne Jenner tied the game. Laila Edwards, a U.S. defender, put the Americans ahead to stay at 7:29.
• Third Period: Knight scored twice, first with 8:31 remaining and again with 1:37 left. The second goal came into an empty net, giving the U.S. a decisive edge.

Series Context

The Rivalry Series, a four‑game slate, has seen the U.S. dominate Canada in all four matchups. The Americans outscored their Canadian counterparts 24‑7 across the series, winning 4‑1 in Cleveland on November 6, 6‑1 in Buffalo on November 8, and 10‑4 in Edmonton on Wednesday night.

Player Highlights

• Hilary Knight: Scored twice in the third period and added the lone goal in the first Rivalry Series game between the countries back on February 12, 2019. Knight, the 36‑year‑old captain, is retiring from international hockey after the Olympics.
• Caroline Harvey & Laila Edwards: Each added a goal for the U.S. defense.
• Taylor Heise: Recorded two assists for the Americans.
• Aerin Frankel: Made 23 saves, keeping the Canadian offense at bay.
• Brianne Jenner: Scored for Canada.
• Ann‑Renée Desbiens: Stopped 28 shots for the Canadian goaltender.

Coaches and Captains Speak

U.S. coach John Wroblewski said, “We expected them to come out swinging and were able to weather the storm,” and added, “This was a strong game and gives us a lot to think about as we head into Milan.”

Knight reflected on the experience, stating, “It’s special to be able to represent your country and to play against an awesome powerhouse of a hockey team as well,” she said. “We’re on the fortunate side of this year’s (series) and that felt pretty good.”

Canadian captain Marie‑Philip Poulin offered a measured response, noting, “Nothing awesome comes easy,” and continued, “We know there’s work to be done. I don’t think we can take those four games and get down on ourselves.”

Series Summary

The sweep underscores the U.S. team’s readiness for the Olympic stage, while Canada faces a critical evaluation of its strategies ahead of the Milan showdown. Knight’s retirement announcement adds a poignant layer to the series, marking the end of an era for U.S. international play.

Looking Ahead

The next encounter on February 10 will be a high‑stakes preliminary‑round game in Milan, where both teams will aim to carry the momentum from Edmonton into the Olympic competition. The U.S. will look to build on the confidence gained from the sweep, while Canada will seek to address the gaps highlighted in the series.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. women’s hockey team swept Canada 4‑1 in the final Rivalry Series game.
• Hilary Knight scored twice in the third period, cementing her legacy as the series’ most influential player.
• The U.S. outscored Canada 24‑7 across all four games, highlighting a dominant performance.

The 4‑1 victory not only secures a clean sweep but also sets the stage for a thrilling Olympic rematch, as both teams prepare to bring their best to Milan.