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U.S. vs. Canada: The facts
Last update: February 25, 2010 - 12:29 AM

U.S. VS. CANADA: THE FACTS
When: 5:30 p.m., MSNBC • Where: Canada Hockey Place, Vancouver
ABOUT THE GAME
Hayley Wickenheiser of Canada said it's the game that everyone in North America wanted to see. Teammate Haley Irwin promises an absolute battle, and Jennifer Botterill said an already white-hot rivalry has grown even more intense. Take the two titans of women's hockey, put them in an arena full of puck-obsessed Canadians, and watch the fun. "It's the Stanley Cup Final over and over again,'' Canada coach Melody Davidson said. "I think it's one of the best rivalries in sport.''
SCOUTING THE U.S.
Canada likes to play a physical game, but it will have to stay out of the box against the Americans, who lead the tournament with 13 power-play goals on 22 chances. This fast, skilled team has grown deeper in recent weeks as its young players have blossomed. Minnesotans Jenny Potter and Natalie Darwitz lead the scoring with 11 points each, and Monique Lamoureux is getting better every game. Jessie Vetter has surrendered one goal on 42 shots and is a tested big-game goalie.
SCOUTING CANADA
The Canadians match the U.S. in skill and offensive firepower. Meghan Agosta's nine goals are an Olympic record for most in a tournament, and Wickenheiser -- one of the greatest women's players ever -- is strong as ever with 11 points in her fourth Winter Games. Davidson has been coy about who will be in goal, but she's got two great ones: veteran Kim St.-Pierre and Olympic rookie Shannon Szabados, who shut out Finland in the semifinals and is 3-1 against the U.S. this season.
THE HISTORY
The U.S. won the first Olympic gold medal in women's hockey in 1998. Canada won the next two, but the U.S. has won the past two world championships. Canada is 7-3 against the U.S. this season.
THE HOME FACTOR
Canada Hockey Place holds 19,300, and the loud, loyal Canadians will make up most of the crowd. Several U.S. players said they are excited to play in that kind of atmosphere and don't expect to be rattled.
OFFICIATING
Kelli O'Brian-Rolstad of Blaine will be one of two linesmen working the gold medal game. Read her blog from Vancouver at www.kelliobrian.blogspot.com
RACHEL BLOUNT