Canada Wins Third Straight Rivalry Series

Though it wasn't as smooth as the reverse sweep in the past few years, Team Canada still captured their fourth Rivalry Series win 3-1 over Team USA in the final game of the tournament.

Coming out of the first three games in November, the Canadians lead the series 2-1. With these last two games happening at the height of the college hockey season, both teams built rosters without their NCAA superstars.

Game 4: USA 2 - CAN 1 (SO)

Heading into game four, Canada had a lot of momentum on their side. Not only had they won the last two games in November, but they were also facing a US roster without its NCAA talent, who were involved in eight of the American's ten goals across the first three games. Meanwhile, Canada's NCAA talent only contributed to one goal out of Canada's 11.

But Canada faced an immovable object named Gwyneth Philips. Despite outshooting the US 14-6 in the first period, the US came out leading 1-0 after a nice goal by Hilary Knight.

The game remained 1-0 until three minutes left when Blayre Turnbull finally managed to put one past Philips. It would take a shootout to sort out the tie.

Team USA won the shootout handly, with Knight, Bilka, and Pannek scoring on Desbiens. Canada went with an odd lineup of Jenner, Poulin, and then Rattray, once in a must-score situation. None of them could put the puck past Philips and Team USA took game 4 to even up the series.

Game 5: USA 1 - CAN 3

The scoring woes from game five persisted through the first period, where neither team was able to score, despite firing a combined 26 shots on net. Both teams went with new goaltenders for the final game, with Frankel starting for the US, while Maschmeyer took over for Team Canada.

Both Team USA goalies looked strong through games four and five, which is a great sign for the World Championships and beyond.

Canada eventually broke the goose egg when Brianne Jenner wired one from the point six minutes into the second period.

Kelly Pannek evened it up for Team USA right at the start of the third period off a great play by Ally Simpson.

The battle of the goaltenders continued, holding off both teams until Jennifer Gardiner was able to sneak one past Frankel, putting Team Canada ahead with seven to go.

With just under two minutes to go, Laura Stacey put one in the empty net to seal the win for Canada.

What does this mean for the World Championships in April?

The Rivalry Series is a great way to test out lineups before the World Championships in April, but what did the teams learn?

In terms of goaltending, both teams have always been solid. However, both Philips and Maschmeyer made their cases to take the starting roles (or at least, in Philips' case, get more starts) from the usual top duo of Frankel and Desbiens.

Scoring still seems to be an issue for Team Canada, just like with the rest of Troy Ryan's teams. Going up against strong goaltenders can't be an excuse for not scoring since strong goaltenders will be everywhere in the world championships. But they aren't alone in this struggle, as Team USA seems to have the same issue. If only Frankel and Philips could score goals.

We also saw players make their bids for the world championships, and players left off the roster who may or may not have made a difference. Both teams didn't play their third-string goaltenders in games four and five, meaning Canada still doesn't know whether Campbell or Schroeder will be the right goalie to bring to the world championships. Hensley kept her spot over Minnesota Frost teammate Maddie Rooney but we'll see if that stands for the major championship.

For Team USA, Laila Edwards, Tessa Janecke, and Abbey Murphy made great impressions in the first three games and should be shoe-ins for the World Championships. Simpson also had a great five games and should be on that final team.

For Team Canada, Jennifer Gardiner, who joined the team as the 13th forward, had a great tournament and should definitely earn a spot on the final roster. Though she didn't show it on the scoreboard, I thought Watts had a great tournament and should get a look at the final roster as well.

The World Championships start April 9 in Czechia.