Olympics: The silver lining

The GIST: Team USA women’s hockey came up just short in their quest for repeat gold, losing 3–2 to our Northern neighbors early this morning. This one stings.

The game: Thanks to a pair of record-breaking goals from Canada’s captain Marie-Philip Poulin, Canada gained an early 3–0 lead. Hilary Knight — who’s played in the most Winter Olympics in U.S. hockey history — quieted any shutout rumblings, notching Team USA’s first goal of the night. She’s not too shabby on her knife shoes.

• The intensity leveled up in the dying minutes of the third, where a power play and pulled goalie led to an Amanda Kessel beauty, closing the gap to one goal with 12.5 seconds remaining.

• Despite the late pressure, you know how this one ends — Canada held on, handing the U.S. the silver. Heartbreaker.

How Team USA got here: The tough loss (and their closer-than-anticipated games throughout the tournament) underscores bigger issues this team needs to tackle, chief among them being depth. Coach Joel Johnson relied heavily on just a handful of players, rarely calling on his bench.

• And with the Women’s Ice Hockey World Championships set for August, the clock is ticking to figure it out.

What’s next: There is a silver lining in the silver medal: the incredible enthusiasm for women’s hockey throughout the Games. The excitement for this team was palpable, and it’s time to keep that same energy 365 days a year. The next stateside PWHPA showcase, set for March in Arlington, is the perfect place to start.