The much-anticipated meeting between the United States and Canada proved to be a one-sided affair, as the Americans held their longtime rivals scoreless while scoring five goals of their own. 
It marked Team USA’s third consecutive shutout and the second of the tournament for Boston Fleet goaltender Aerin Frankel. It’s the first time Canada has been shutout in the Olympics.
The United States allowed just one goal throughout the group stage while scoring five goals in all four preliminary matchups.
Seattle Torrent forward Hannah Bilka led the way offensively with two goals, while collegiate standouts Caroline Harvey, Kristen Simms, and Laila Edwards each added a goal apiece. The dominant performance secured first place in Group A for the Americans.
Canada, playing without captain and Montréal Victoire star Marie-Philip Poulin, who suffered a lower-body injury in Monday’s win over Czechia, struggled to generate offense in a disappointing showing given the buildup surrounding the matchup.
Victoire netminder Ann-Renée Desbiens made her second start in as many days after backstopping Canada to victory on Monday but was unable to replicate that performance against the Americans. Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer relieved Desbiens in the third period, though the result was already decided.
Canada still has one preliminary-round matchup remaining, set for Thursday at 8:30 AM ET against Finland after the game was rescheduled due to illness.
The United States has now won seven straight games against Canada and will face third-place Group B finisher Italy in the quarterfinals of the knockout stage. Canada can finish no lower than third in Group A and needs just one point, or for Finland to drop points, to secure second place. Quarterfinal play begins Friday at 10:40 AM ET.
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