In Milan on February 7, 2026, Canada began their title defense in the women's Olympic ice hockey tournament with an impressive 4-0 victory over Switzerland. This match marked the start of their campaign after a postponement due to norovirus cases within the Finnish team. Canada displayed dominant skill, outshooting Switzerland by a staggering margin of 55 to 6, with veteran forward Natalie Spooner scoring first during a power play period. The Canadians truly solidified their lead in the third period with three additional goals, sealing a remarkable start to their Olympic journey. Across the ice, the United States also showcased their prowess, overpowering Finland with a 5-0 score. Hilary Knight made history by tying the American women's all-time Winter Olympics goals record halfway through the match. The U.S. team saw three quick goals in succession to establish a commanding lead, making it clear they are competitors to be reckoned with as they strive for Olympic glory. With both Canada and the U.S. securing wins in their opening matches, they set the stage for an intense tournament, with Group A showing strong performances from these two rivals. Looking ahead, Canada is set to face the Czech Republic in their next game, while Switzerland will have the daunting task of facing the top-ranked U.S. team. Both teams aim to maintain momentum and secure their positions in the upcoming quarter-finals. As the tournament progresses, the rivalry between Canada and the U.S. looms large, with their respective performances on February 7 hinting at an exciting and competitive Olympic ice hockey event. In other developments, Group B witnessed Germany's victory over Japan at 5-2, demonstrating that they are also contenders to watch. Italy experienced a challenging defeat against Sweden, reflecting the varied dynamics within the tournament as teams jostle for placement and strategy in this prestigious competition. The combination of powerful performances from established teams, alongside the unforeseen challenges faced by others, illustrates the unpredictable nature of the Olympic Games, setting a thrilling tone for upcoming matches.