In a pivotal moment of the women's ice hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina Olympics, Canada secured a place in the final by overcoming Switzerland in a closely contested semifinal match. The key player was Marie-Philip Poulin, who scored two goals in the second period, giving Canada a strong lead. Despite Switzerland's efforts to close the gap, Canada maintained its advantage to win the game 2:1.

Marie-Philip Poulin's performance not only led her team to victory but also marked a significant achievement in Olympic history, as she became the highest-scoring female player in Olympic tournaments with her 19th and 20th goals. This record surpasses the previous mark set by her compatriot Hayley Wickenheiser, underlining Poulin's growing legacy in women's hockey.

Since the inclusion of women's ice hockey in the Olympics in 1998, Canada has been a dominant force, winning five out of the seven tournaments held thus far, while the USA has claimed victory twice. This ongoing rivalry between Canada and the USA sets the stage for an exciting final, reinforcing the significance of these two powerhouses in the world of women's sports.