How U.S., Canada stack up in women’s hockey gold-medal game

A look at Thursday’s women’s hockey gold-medal game between the U.S. and Canada:

Forwards

U.S.: Jenny Potter and Natalie Darwitz, who are seeking their fourth and third Olympic medals, respectively, lead a talented group of forwards. Potter has six goals and five assists in four games, and Darwitz has scored four times with seven assists. Monique Lamoureux (10 points) and Hilary Knight and Kelli Stack (both with eight points) provide depth as the U.S. can roll four lines.

Canada: The Canadians are loaded up front, led by Meghan Agosta, who shares an Olympic tournament record with nine goals (equaled by Switzerland’s Stefanie Marty) in four games. Jayna Hefford (five goals, seven assists), Hayley Wickenheiser and Caroline Ouellette (each with two goals and nine assists) add offensive firepower.

Defense

U.S.: Molly Engstrom contributes offensively from the back end (three goals, four assists) and leads the Americans with a plus-13 rating. Angela Ruggiero, along with Potter a member of the 1998 team that defeated Canada for the gold, Lisa Chesson and Caitlin Cahow head a stellar unit.

Canada: The Canadians, who have allowed two goals in four games, are bigger and should play a more physical game than the Americans. Catherine Ward leads the team in ice time at 20 minutes 7 seconds a game and is a plus-13. Other defensive standouts include Becky Kellar (plus-14), Colleen Sostorics and Carla MacLeod (both plus-13).

Goaltending

U.S.: Jessie Vetter has turned aside 41 of 42 shots in three games and is the backbone of a stingy U.S. defense.

Canada: Kim St. Pierre hasn’t allowed a goal on 13 shots in two games and is looking to win her third consecutive gold medal. She has split time with Shannon Szabados (one goal against on 23 shots).

-- Chris Kuc