Team USA sweeps Canada in four-game Rivalry Series

The GIST: For the first time ever, Team USA women’s hockey swept the Rivalry Series, defeating Team Canada 4–1 on Saturday to dominate the four-game showdown. Here’s how it all played out, plus what to look out for between now and the Milano Cortina Olympics.

💪 American captain Hilary Knight scores twice in final series appearance: Just like in the very first Rivalry Series game in 2019, Knight found the net on Saturday, a testament to her unparalleled longevity as she reaches the twilight of her international career. Knight will once again represent Team USA at the Olympics, her fifth and final Winter Games.

• But despite the sweep, Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin isn’t stressed about Canada’s chances in Italy. She admits there’s work to be done, but said her squad will not “get down on ourselves” about demoralizing losses to the archrival Americans.

👀 Looking ahead: The Olympics are just 52 days away, and now, both teams’ head coaches must trim their 30-woman Rivalry Series rosters down to 23. The U.S. will announce their squad on January 2nd, while Canada’s roster drop date is still unconfirmed.

• Regardless of country, it’s now imperative for bubble players to impress in either club or NCAA play — good thing the PWHL is back tomorrow with a 10 p.m. ET showdown between the Ottawa Charge and Vancouver Goldeneyes. Ice ice, baby.