The greatest rivalry in women’s hockey returns to center ice Thursday at 1:10 p.m. ET, when Team USA and Team Canada meet once again for Olympic gold. With a history defined by razor-thin finishes, dramatic shootouts and national pride on the line, the 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal game promises another unforgettable chapter.
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook has odds available on the marquee matchup, adding even more intrigue to a game that rarely needs it.
USA vs. Canada: A Gold Medal Standard
Women’s hockey made its Olympic debut in 1998, and from the very beginning, the tournament has been defined by the United States and Canada.
Thursday’s showdown marks the 12th Olympic meeting overall between the two powerhouses and the seventh time they’ve squared off for gold. Canada leads the all-time Olympic head-to-head series 7-4, including a 4-2 edge in gold medal games.
A breakdown of their Olympic matchups:
- Total Olympic meetings: 11
- First Olympic meeting: 1998
- All-time head-to-head series: Team Canada leads 7-4
- Preliminary round meetings: 5 (Team Canada 3 wins, Team USA 2 wins)
- Gold medal games: 6 (Team Canada 4 wins, Team USA 2 wins)
Remarkably, Canada has appeared in every Olympic gold medal game since women’s hockey debuted, while the U.S. has faced Canada in six of those finals.
Team USA’s Dominant 2026 Olympic Run
Team USA enters Thursday’s championship game in commanding form.
Through six games at the 2026 Olympics, the Americans have:
- Outscored opponents 31-1
- Recorded five shutouts
- Allowed just one goal total
That defensive dominance and offensive firepower were on full display in the preliminary round when the U.S. delivered a statement 5-0 victory over Canada – a result that sent a clear message ahead of the medal rounds.
Memories of 2018: A Classic Shootout Finish
The most recent U.S. Olympic gold over Canada came in 2018 in PyeongChang, when the Americans secured a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory. That game ended a 20-year gold medal drought for Team USA and produced one of the most iconic moments in U.S. women’s hockey history.
Echoes of that thriller will linger when the puck drops Thursday – especially given how frequently these teams meet in the sport’s biggest moment.
Team Canada’s Championship Pedigree
Canada’s women’s hockey team has dominated the Olympics since the sport’s debut 28 years ago.
- Appeared in every Olympic gold medal game since 1998
- Won five gold medals, including four against Team USA
- Established overall Olympic dominance spanning nearly three decades
Team Canada has historically elevated its game in medal rounds, often turning tightly contested matchups into championship victories. Even after a 5-0 preliminary loss to the U.S. in this year’s Olympics, Canada’s experience in gold medal settings cannot be overlooked.
Betting the Rivalry: Odds on Hard Rock Bet
With two elite rosters, explosive offenses, and tournament-best goaltending performances, Thursday’s matchup is expected to produce another classic.
Hard Rock Bet is offering odds on:
- Moneyline: Team USA is currently the favorite at -525.
- Puck line: The point spread is currently set at -2.5 for Team USA and +2.5 for Team Canada.
- Total goals: The over/under is currently at 5.5 total goals.
- Player props, specials, and more
Given Team USA’s dominant goal differential (31-1) and five shutouts, players may look closely at totals and player props. However, gold medal games between these two have historically been close, low-scoring affairs – including the 3-2 shootout classic in 2018.
As always, odds are subject to change, so check Hard Rock Bet for the latest numbers before puck drop.
What to Expect in Thursday’s Gold Medal Showdown
When Team USA and Team Canada meet for gold, the margins are razor thin.
Key storylines to watch:
- Can Team USA’s defense maintain its near-perfect Olympic form?
- Will Team Canada’s championship experience flip the script from the preliminary round?
- Will this rivalry add another instant classic to its legacy?
With 11 Olympic meetings already in the books, six gold medal clashes, and decades of dominance between them, this rivalry has defined women’s Olympic hockey since 1998.
One more game. One more gold medal. And once again, it’s USA vs. Canada.
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