Coach Davidson: Szabados begged to play against the USA

From Sportsbeat staff, in Vancouver

 CANADA women's coach Melody Davidson has revealed goaltender Shannon Szabados pleaded to play against the USA and after her stellar performance as the host wrapped up gold, she clearly made the right decision.

STAR OF THE SHOW: Shannon Szabados was instrumental in Canada's third consecutive gold medal with a shut-out against the USA (Getty Images)

The host nation overcame fierce rivals and world champions the USA 2-0 to clinch a third consecutive Olympic title and became the first country to lift the crown on home soil.

Teenager Marie-Philip Poulin scored both goals but it was Szabados who kept the USA out despite their 28 shots and Canada had her to thank for their latest slice of Olympic history.

And Davidson revealed that while she was torn between Szabados and Kim St Pierre for the starting spot in between the pipes, she knew the former had a point to prove.

"I'll never forget the first meeting I had with her and she said, 'the only thing I have to ask you Mel, is can I have one game against the US this year'," said Davidson.

"It was a battle between her and Kim all year. In the end she had played better all year, that's why we chose her.

"What you saw tonight was a traditional Canada-US game. We worked hard for the first goal.

"The Americans have an incredible power play, they always have. It terrified us, no question.