While the Canadian women's hockey team had to wait a few extra days to begin their Olympic gold medal defense, they opened tournament play with a statement 4-0 victory over Switzerland.
"There was a sigh of relief finally because it was like the tournament started without us, and it was nice to get out on the ice," Canadian forward Sarah Nurse said after the game.
Canada outshot the Swiss squad 55-6 and much like the U.S. has done, they were able to capitalize on three of their power play opportunities.
After neither team got on the scoreboard in the first period, Natalie Spooner gave the Canadians the lead in the second.
In the final period, Sarah Fillier and first-time Olympian Julia Gosling scored back-to-back power play goals. Daryl Watts added the final goal of the game with just over 3 minutes to go in her Olympic debut.
Despite the loss, Swiss goaltender Saskia Maurer put on an unbelievable performance with 51 saves.
"I am so happy for her as she had a great game. We had huge belief out there. For two periods we were right there," said teammate Alina Muller
Canada is back in action on Feb. 9 against Czechia and then they take on the United States in the most anticipated game of the women's Olympic tournament on Tuesday Feb. 10.
All of the women's hockey tournament can be streamed live on NBCOlympics.com and Peacock.
Other Olympic games:
- Germany defeated Japan 5-2
- Sweden defeated Italy 6-1
- USA defeated Finland 5-0