MILAN, Italy — The Canadian women’s national hockey team faces a critical turning point at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games following a historic 5-0 shutout loss to the United States and a mounting injury crisis involving captain Marie-Philip Poulin.
As of 12 February 2026, Team Canada is grappling with the fallout of its most lopsided Olympic defeat in program history. The 5-0 preliminary round loss on Tuesday marked the first time the Canadian women have ever been held scoreless in Olympic competition. The defeat was Canada’s seventh consecutive loss to the Americans dating back to the 2025 World Championships, sparking national debate over the current gap between the two hockey superpowers.
Poulin Sidelined for Finland Clash
The primary concern for Hockey Canada remains the health of “Captain Clutch,” Marie-Philip Poulin. After suffering an injury during Monday’s 5-1 victory over Czechia, Poulin was officially scratched from the lineup for today’s rescheduled game against Finland. Team officials have been tight-lipped regarding the specific nature of the injury, though it has been described as an “injury scare” that has left the Canadian offense looking “disconnected” and “disjointed.”
The absence of Poulin, the reigning PWHL MVP, has forced head coach Troy Ryan to shuffle lines. In her absence, younger players like Julia Gosling—who netted two goals against Czechia—are being asked to carry a heavier offensive load.
Olympic Tournament Progress
Despite the recent setback against the U.S., Canada’s tournament remains alive as they navigate Group A action:
- 7 February: Canada opened with a 4-0 win over Switzerland, despite the game being delayed due to a norovirus outbreak in the Finnish camp.
- 9 February: A 5-1 victory over Czechia, marred by injuries to Poulin and a key defender.
- 10 February: A 5-0 loss to the United States, the largest margin of victory in the history of the rivalry at the Olympics.
- 12 February: Canada faces Finland in a rescheduled preliminary match to determine final seeding for the knockout round.
Analysis and Public Sentiment
The 2026 roster, which is the first to be composed 100% of PWHL professionals, was expected to dominate. However, critics have questioned roster decisions, specifically the omission of teenage phenom Chloe Primerano, following the team’s inability to generate high-danger scoring chances against the American defense.
While Canada has already secured a spot in the quarter-finals, the path to a sixth Olympic gold medal now appears significantly more difficult. Analysts suggest that unless the power play finds its rhythm and Poulin returns for the medal rounds, Canada may be at risk of missing the gold medal game for only the second time in Olympic history.