The U.S. and Canada set to square off in Olympic women's ice hockey gold medal match

Canada was long the top dog of Olympic women's hockey. But with a win Thursday, the Americans could do more than earn a third gold medal — they could prove the sport's balance of power has shifted. (Image credit: Piero Cruciatti) Canada was long the top dog of Olympic women's hockey.

But with a win Thursday, the Americans could do more than earn a third gold medal — they could prove the sport's balance of power has shifted. Canada was long the top dog of Olympic women's hockey. But with a win Thursday, the Americans could do more than earn a third gold medal — they could prove the sport's balance of power has shifted.