The USA–Canada rivalry in women’s hockey rarely lacks drama, but what unfolded Tuesday at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics was truly unprecedented.
In a stunning preliminary round result, Team USA delivered Canada its first-ever Olympic shutout in women’s hockey, skating to a dominant 5–0 victory that rewrote the rivalry’s history books. It marked not only the first time Canada has been held scoreless in Olympic women’s hockey, but also the largest margin of victory for the United States over Canada in Olympic play—across both women’s and men’s hockey.
From the opening faceoff, the Americans set the tone with relentless pressure, speed through the neutral zone and suffocating defense. The result was a Canadian team unable to generate sustained offense against a United States squad that looked confident, composed and clinical in every phase of the game.
Firsts were everywhere for Team USA. Kirsten Simms scored her first Olympic goal, adding to the growing list of breakthrough performances by the Americans’ young core. First-time Olympian Hannah Bilka led the charge, scoring twice in the biggest game of her career. Afterward, Bilka reflected on what she would tell her younger self, emphasizing belief, patience and trusting the work that brought her to the Olympic stage.
Another historic moment came from Laila Edwards, who continues to make her own mark in Olympic history. When she first stepped onto the ice in Milan Cortina, Edwards became the first Black woman to compete for Team USA in women’s hockey at the Winter Games. Against Canada, she added another milestone, scoring her first Olympic goal in a performance that blended poise with power.
And, as always, history followed captain Hilary Knight. The five-time Olympian tied the U.S. record for career Olympic points (32) when she set up Caroline Harvey for Harvey’s second goal of the Games. Knight’s leadership was evident throughout, anchoring a team that balanced veteran experience with fearless youth.
While the 5–0 result was shocking in hockey’s most anticipated rivalry, context mattered. Canada was without captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who suffered a lower-body injury in Monday’s game against Czechia and is listed as day-to-day. Still, the Americans made it clear they were focused solely on their own execution, not the circumstances on the other bench.
Despite the blowout, Team USA downplayed any sense of satisfaction beyond the moment. In postgame coverage, NBC Sports hockey analyst and Olympic gold medalist Angela Ruggiero called this American squad the best she’s ever seen—a statement backed by overwhelming numbers.
Through four games at the 2026 Olympics, the United States has scored five goals in each contest while allowing just one total goal. The math is staggering: Team USA has outscored its opponents 20–1, combining explosive offense with nearly impenetrable defense.
That defensive dominance was on full display again Tuesday, with goaltender Aerin Frankel stopping all 20 shots she faced to earn her second shutout of the Games. Calm and technically flawless, Frankel has been the backbone of a U.S. defense that has given opponents almost nothing to work with.
With the victory, the United States officially clinched the top spot in Group A and advanced to the knockout stage. Canada still has one remaining group game against Finland on Feb. 12, after that matchup was postponed earlier in the tournament due to illness.
For Team USA it’s a quarterfinal showdown against Italy on Feb. 13 at 3:10 p.m. ET. If the first four games of the Milan Cortina Olympics are any indication, the Americans are not just winning—they are redefining what dominance looks like on the sport’s biggest stage.
