IIHF Women’s World Championship (WWHC) gold medal gameday

🏒 How they got here

And then there were two. Though there've been a couple of close calls, Canada is flourishing on their home soil, and are undefeated heading into tonight’s showdown, where they’ll look to grab their third straight WWHC gold medal.

• Similarly, the Americans topped every opponent except for Canada, a dragon they’re hoping to slay tonight to reclaim the top of the podium for the first time since 2019. As they say, revenge is a dish best served ice cold.

🇨🇦 Team Canada

The mood: Coming off last night’s 5–1 semifinal win over Switzerland, Canada is looking to prove lightning can indeed strike thrice by notching another win over the U.S. in tonight’s final. To quote star forward Sarah Fillier, get up or get down.

• And many believe the northern gals can pull off the dub. After all, the Canadians topped their American nemesis at the last two Worlds, the 2022 Olympics, and the latest Rivalry Series.

Key to success: Canada’s been dominant all tourney, but they need to do better closing out games. As we saw in Monday’s nail-biting shootout win over the U.S., and Thursday’s overtime quarterfinal victory against Sweden, Canada's struggled in the dying moments of regulation, allowing their opponents to force extra time.

Players to watch: Marie-Philip Poulin comes in clutch when it matters most, but don’t sleep on Sarah Nurse. The forward scored two goals, including the overtime winner, on Thursday to keep Canada’s three-peat hopes alive.

• 2022 Olympic MVP Brianne Jenner has also continued to bring the heat, alongside aforementioned young gun Fillier. Now to see if history really does repeat itself.

🇺🇸 Team USA

The mood: After routing Czechia 9–1 in yesterday's semifinal, this young but gelled U.S. roster is hyped and ready to return to their pre–COVID-19 five-peat championship status.

• They already surprised the Canadians with their defensive strength on Monday, and now, just like Taylor Swift, they’re ready to move from burning red to a golden glow.

Key to success: Top-end tendy Aerin Frankel will need to once again stand on her head if Team USA wants a shot at capturing victory. If they can stay strong defensively and rattle the typically unbarred Canadian offense, the spangled squad should be able to shift the momentum to their advantage.

Players to watch: Hilary. Freaking. Knight. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, this woman is dangerous, and knows how to continually plow through Canada’s defense. Needless to say, this newly-named captain is ready to put an end to the maple world’s reign.

• Rising star Taylor Heise has been on a tear this tournament. And while she didn’t find success against Canada last Monday, you better believe she’s watched game tape and is ready for her second take.

📺 How to tune in

Grab some poutine or “freedom” fries to snack on and get comfy. Americans can catch the action on the NHL Network or FuboTV, while Canadians can tune in on TSN. May the best team win.