Suspense finally shows up in women’s hockey

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – This women’s hockey game shouldn’t need a mercy rule.

If you sat through all those blowouts by the United States and Canada, here’s your reward: The sport’s twin Goliaths will play for the gold medal today to end a tournament they’ve robbed of all suspense until now.

“I think it is one of the best rivalries in sport, male or female,” Canada coach Melody Davidson said.

It’s a great rivalry in part because there are no others in this sport. Canada and the United States have won all three gold medals in Olympic women’s hockey and all 12 world championships. There might not be another event at the Vancouver Games with a bigger gap between silver and bronze.

This next U.S.-Canada showdown is on MSNBC. In prime time tonight , NBC will air the always-anticipated women’s figure skating free skate.

The Americans and Canadians can look forward to their matchup as the perfect showcase for their sport. You won’t see it at a higher level than what will be on display in front of what figures to be a spirited crowd. The U.S. and Canada have split their last eight games against each other at world championships, with two decided by shootouts.