As Canada appeared headed to a methodical win over the U.S. on Monday, it felt like, for once, the vaunted rivalry had lost a touch of energy.
Turns out that couldn't have been less true. The final minutes of the game provided plenty of drama as a disallowed goal, a clock malfunction and last-minute heroics meant Canada needed to earn its eventual 4-3 win the hard way via shootout.
It sets up what will likely be another North American showdown in Sunday's world championship gold-medal game at the CAA Centre in Brampton, Ont.
It's arguably the greatest rivalry in sports right now, and it delivers with stunning consistency. "They're by far the best games," Canadian goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens said after Monday's affair. "I don't think this rivalry can get any better." WATCH | Rattray delivers in shootout for Canada: Fair enough.