Once again, Marie-Philip Poulin delivered a brilliant performance in a gold medal game. Members of her own family have tried to explain how she continues to rise to the challenge in big times.

The 30-year-old scored twice including the winner in the final as Canada returned to Olympic glory by beating the United States, 3-2.

“For us, it’s almost normal now, joked his brother Pier-Alexandre on the phone. It’s impressive.”

The captain scored in a fourth consecutive Olympic final. She has a total of seven goals in this type of match.

“I think she takes the pressure as an opportunity, that’s how she copes with those moments,” said Pier-Alexandre from Calgary, where he watched the game. She wants to be on the ice and she wants to enjoy it? she wants to make a difference. She’s trained four years for this moment and she knows she’s going to be ready when the game is on the line.”

In Poulin’s hometown of Beauceville, images of the player can be found everywhere, including portraits of her at the new arena.

“Everyone is extremely proud of her. They have supported her since day one and I know she appreciates it, said Pier-Alexandre. It’s special for her to know that when she goes for gold, the whole town is behind her.”

It’s unclear when Poulin and her teammates will return from Beijing, but the family said a celebration is in the works.

Normally, the town would have gathered to watch the game at the arena or a high school. The rules related to the pandemic have changed the plans, however.

The Poulin clan watched the game with a few other family members and friends.

Another final, another great performance from Poulin

“Sometimes we can’t believe it’s happening again, but it’s happened again and it’s extraordinary,” said Danye Nadeau, Poulin’s mother, on Thursday.

She spoke to her daughter on Skype around 4am, telling her how proud she is of herself, crying with joy.

“I would have liked to be with her to hug her,” said Nadeau.

When asked if there’s a secret behind her daughter’s successes, Nadeau said she can’t quite explain it, however, adding this:

“She adapts to each game and when it’s a big game, she starts again,” said Nadeau. It’s his way of doing things, it’s his trademark.

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