The U.S. women’s hockey team was dethroned by Team Canada on Wednesday night, surrendering an early 3-0 lead which proved to be insurmountable and helped the Candians capture the gold by a score of 3-2. Photo: USA Hockey.

BEIJING — The U.S. women’s hockey team was dethroned by Team Canada on Wednesday night, surrendering an early 3-0 lead which proved to be insurmountable and helped the Canadians capture the gold by a score of 3-2.

As they had done all tournament long Canada set the tone from the beginning, scoring two goals in the first period alone. After winning a draw in the offensive zone, a shot was fired from the point and Sarah Nurse redirected it past Alex Cavallini for the early lead.

Canada strikes first in the gold medal game vs Team USA.#WinterOlympics
📺 : @nbc and @peacockTV
💻 : https://t.co/vJIc5AdRaV pic.twitter.com/TqYugPWk1k
Similar Reads On TownLift
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2022

Just minutes later, and off a poor USA turnover in their own zone, Marie Phillip-Poulin took a shot from the slot and suddenly, Canada had a commanding 2-0 lead in just the first period.

Marie-Philip Poulin “Captain Clutch” scores to further Canada’s lead.
📺: @NBC & @peacockTV | #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/lfHdqmQsiO
— On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) February 17, 2022

As play continued, Canada refused to be denied as they orchestrated another goal from Poulin to build an insurmountable 3-0 lead.

Despite an admirable comeback attempt that included a goal by Amanda Kessel with 13.5 seconds left to bring USA within one, Canada proved for the second time of the Beijing games that they are currently the best team in the world.

.@AmandaKessel28 fires one in in the third! 🇺🇸
Canada leads 3-2. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/8ouqbdssMO
— On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) February 17, 2022

Just as they had done previously, Canada beat the United States with a higher-level of creativity and orchestrated more dangerous opportunities. Similar to the first game, the U.S. yet again outshot the Canadians 40-21 but very few posed as any legitimate threat.

Even after scoring the goal that brought them within one, Kessel pointed up at the clock and knew that they had been bested and time had run out. Upon the clock hitting zero, Canadian gloves soared through the air and Canada had reclaimed the gold.

With the victory, Canada captured their fifth gold medal in women’s Olympic hockey as the United States brought home their fourth silver.