Record Olympic champions Canada will chase a fifth gold medal in women’s ice hockey against rivals the United States on Thursday after both had contrasting semi-final wins at the Beijing Winter Games. Canada crushed Switzerland 10-3 on Monday while the Americans, the 2018 champions, edged past Finland 4-1. The dominant Canadians progressed on a double from Marie-Philip Poulin and eight other scorers against Switzerland, who though outclassed put up their best performance yet against the overwhelming favourites. Canada led 5-1 in the first period and were never threatened but may be slightly co…