HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — In an exciting matchup on Thursday night, the United States defeated Canada 2-1 in a shootout, thanks to impressive performances from Hilary Knight, Hannah Bilka, and Kelly Pannek, who all scored. Goalie Gwyneth Philips also shone brightly, stopping all shots during the tiebreaker, setting up a pivotal Game 5 in the Rivalry Series.

The highly anticipated deciding game is scheduled for Saturday evening in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

The action kicked off when Canadian player Marie-Philip Poulin received a tripping penalty, allowing Knight to light the lamp for the United States at 8:13 in the first period. However, with just 2:20 remaining in regulation, Blayre Turnbull leveled the score for Canada.

Philips was impressive throughout the game, making 31 crucial saves across regulation and overtime to help keep her team competitive.

In the shootout, Knight got things started, slotting a low wrist shot past Ann-Renée Desbiens to the glove side. Bilka followed with a slick backhand that sneaked through Desbiens’ legs on the Americans’ third shot, and Pannek sealed the win with a high shot on the fourth attempt. Taylor Heise was the only American shooter who did not score. On the Canadian side, Brianne Jenner, Poulin, and Jamie Lee Rattray all failed to convert their shootout opportunities.

The series began on November 6, when the United States secured a dominant 7-2 victory in San Jose, California. Canada responded with back-to-back wins in the subsequent games, first claiming a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory in Salt Lake City on November 8, followed by a 4-1 win in Boise, Idaho, on November 10.

Interestingly, while some Canadian fans have expressed their discontent by booing the American anthem at various NHL and NBA contests recently, the atmosphere at Scotiabank Centre was notably respectful, with no audible booing during the anthem.