It was Team USA’s third consecutive shutout and the second of the tournament for Boston Fleet goaltender Aerin Frankel. It is the first time Canada has lost a shutout at the Olympic Games.
The United States allowed only one goal during the group stage, while scoring five goals in all four preliminary matches.
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. The dominant performance secured the Americans first place in Group A.
Canada, playing without captain and Montréal Victoire star Marie-Philip Poulin, who suffered a lower-body injury in Monday’s win over the Czech Republic, struggled to generate offense in a disappointing performance given the build-up around the match.
Victoire netminder Ann-Renée Desbiens made her second start in as many days after helping Canada to victory on Monday, but couldn’t replicate that performance against the Americans. Vancouver Goldeneyes goalie Emerance Maschmeyer replaced Desbiens in the third period, although the outcome had already been decided.
Canada has one preliminary round game remaining, scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 a.m. ET against Finland, after the game was rescheduled due to illness.
The United States has now won seven games in a row against Canada and will face third-place Italy in Group B in the quarterfinals of the knockout stage. Canada cannot finish lower than third in Group A and needs only one point, or Finland must drop points, to secure second place. Quarterfinal play begins Friday at 10:40 AM ET.
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