BEIJING — One by one, the U.S. women's hockey players were asked about the enormity of playing Canada. It was difficult to get a direct answer from them about a team that now stands directly in front of them for an Olympic gold medal.
Hours earlier, the Canadian players did the same. It's like there's a code that can't be broken. They want to take each other down; they just don't want say how bad they want to do it.
"It doesn't matter who's the opponent," U.S. goaltender Alex Cavallini said, "we're fighting for a gold medal."
"I think we know that history," Canada forward Brianne Jenner said. "We're going to give ourselves a blank slate."
The U.S. beat Finland 4-1 in the semifinals Monday after Canada dispatched Switzerland 10-3 to set up a meeting Wednesday night Minnesota time for the gold medal for the sixth time in seven Olympics. Team USA will attempt to win consecutive gold medals for the first time in Olympic play.
Make no mistake, this is a collision between two sports superpowers. Not women's sports. All sports.
Their previous meetings have been fast-paced, exciting and edgy. Add in their games at the World Championships, and the teams have a long history of facing each other with a title on the line. USA-Canada get-togethers mean the rest of the world sees how much work needs to be done to reach that level.
"It's so much fun to play against them," Switzerland captain and former Minnesota Duluth star Lara Stalder said during group play. "It shows what's possible for women's hockey."