Oh, Canada! Canadians Stun US Women's Hockey Team in OT to Win Gold

The USA women’s hockey team had the gold medal in their hands, but they gave it up with 55 seconds left in regulation. Canada won the gold, 3-2 in overtime.

America went into the third period up 2-0, and they played like they wanted the gold medal. Their defense was remarkable and even killed off a 5-on-3 Canada power play at the end of the second. The ladies threw themselves in front of the puck did everything they could to keep the puck out of their zone. But Brianne Jenner scored at 16:34 to make it 2-1 and it was downhill for Teame USA from there.

Canada pulled goalie Shannon Szabados with about 1:30 left in regulation. America almost sealed the deal with an empty net goal, but the puck hit the post. Just an inch to the right and the game would have been over. Canada kept the pressure on USA goalie Jesse Vetter and it eventually worked.

Hockey. Truly a game of inches.#Sochi2014 pic.twitter.com/d0wHddspPu

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 20, 2014

Marie-Philip Poulin tied the game at 19:05. Overtime.

Team USA came out fighting, but could not capitalize on any opportunity given to them. Canada’s Catherine Ward had a penalty at 6:09, but six seconds later Jocelyne Lamourex was called for slashing. The team questioned the validity of the call, but the referees sent her to the box and ended the power play for America.

Then a minute later Hilary Knight was called for cross checking, and that is all Canada needed. They made Vetter move side-to-side and Poulin scored her second goal of the game when Vetter left one of her sides wide open.

Canada once again beat the USA in the gold medal game. It is their fourth gold medal.

The USA women broke down after the game and accepted their silver medals with tears running down their cheeks. It was a tough loss, but they will be ready to take on Canada again in four years in South Korea.

The USA men play against Canada on Friday in the semifinals, a repeat of the gold medal game four years ago. Their rivalry with Canada is just as strong and they are also looking for revenge.

(Photo via Canada.com)