USA Completes First Full Series Sweep in Game 4 of the 2025 Rivalry Series

The U.S. continued their dominance, completing the first-ever full series sweep over Canada with a 4-1 win in Edmonton. 

After a scoreless first period, the U.S. came out hot in the second period, tripling their shots on goal. It was Caroline Harvey who opened the scoring with assists from Cayla Barnes and Taylor Heise, to give the U.S. the lead. But, Canada was able to find an answer just a minute later with a smart backhanded pass from Jenn Gardiner to set up Brianne Jenner in front of the net, to score her 50th goal for the women’s national team, becoming just the 13th player to reach the milestone. Laila Edwards then took the lead back for the U.S. off a pass from Taylor Heise, firing into the water bottle, causing a delayed reaction from the players and the refs. 

Hilary Knight extended the U.S. lead halfway through the third period off a pass up the boards from Tessa Janecke. Knight capped off the Knight with an empty netter, securing the win for the U.S., 4-1, to take the Series 4-0, for the first-ever full Series sweep. The U.S. outscored Canada 24-7 through the 4 game series. 

For the U.S., Aerin Frankel ends the Series with two games played, with only two goals allowed, blocking 49 shots. U.S. backup Gwyneth Philips finished with two games, with five goals allowed, blocking 59 shots. 

For Canada, Ann-Renée Desbiens ends the Series playing 90 minutes in Games 3 and 4, with nine goals against, blocking 40 shots. Emerance Maschmeyer played 30 minutes in Game 3 after Canada pulled Desbiens, allowing five goals on 12 shots. Eve Gascon played in the opening game of the Series in Cleveland, blocking 22 shots, with four goals allowed. To round out Canada’s goaltending lineup, Kayle Osborne played in Game 2 of the Series in Buffalo, blocking 26 shots, with five goals allowed.

This was the team's last matchup before the 2026 Olympics. The U.S. dominated the Series and hopes to carry the momentum into their run for the gold medal. While neither country's teams are set for the Olympics, the U.S. seems to be a lot closer to their decision after the Series. While Canada played better defensively in Game 4, there are still a lot of questions surrounding what the Olympic roster will look like. Both nations will rely on the PWHL and NCAA hockey seasons to finalize roster spots, as we get closer to the Milan-Cortina Games, though there is no better judge than the best-on-best competition the Rivalry Series brings.