The United States women’s hockey team is heading back to the Olympic gold medal game. They secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Sweden in the semifinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
A relentless offensive surge and a historic goaltending performance defined the win. Team USA has now recorded five consecutive shutouts in the tournament. They have not allowed a single goal in over 16 periods of play. The Americans will now play for gold against the winner of the Canada versus Switzerland matchup.
A Second Period Scoring Explosion
The game began with a tight defensive battle. The U.S. controlled the puck early but could not find the back of the net in the first period. They outshot Sweden 13-2 in the opening frame yet the score remained tied at zero.
That changed drastically in the second period.
Team USA erupted for four goals to break the game open. Abbey Murphy struck quickly to shatter the deadlock. Captain Kendall Coyne Schofield followed up with another rapid goal. This sudden offensive burst left the Swedish defense scrambling.
| Game Stats | Team USA | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Total Goals | 5 | 0 |
| Total Shots | 34 | 23 |
| 1st Period Shots | 13 | 2 |
| Shutouts (Tournament) | 5 | 0 |
The Americans used their speed and precision to overwhelm their opponents. The four-goal middle frame effectively sealed the contest long before the final buzzer sounded.
Frankel Rewrites History in Net
While the offense grabbed headlines, goaltender Aerin Frankel made history between the pipes.
She stopped all 23 shots she faced to earn the shutout. This marked her third shutout of the 2026 tournament. With this performance, Frankel became the first goaltender in women’s Olympic history to record three shutouts in a single Games.
“The defense makes my job easy, but we are all focused on one thing,” the team’s defensive unit seems to say with their play.
Frankel has been a wall for the United States. The team’s streak of 16 scoreless periods is a testament to both her skill and the defensive structure in front of her. Sweden tried to press in the third period but could not solve the American netminder.
Sweden’s Resurgence Hits a Wall
Sweden entered this game with high hopes. This was their first Olympic semifinal appearance since 2014. It marked a significant resurgence for a program that has struggled in recent years.
However, the talent gap was evident on the ice.
Team USA outshot Sweden 34-23 overall. The Swedes fought hard but could not match the depth and speed of the American roster. Despite the loss, Sweden still has plenty to play for in Milan.
They will move on to the bronze medal game. A win there would secure their first Olympic medal in women’s hockey since 2006. This tournament remains a major step forward for Swedish hockey despite the semifinal exit.
Eyes on the Ultimate Prize
The United States has now reached its fifth straight Olympic gold medal game. This streak highlights a dynasty that began with the sport’s Olympic introduction in 1998.
The team looks unstoppable right now.
- Offense: Scoring at will with depth across all lines.
- Defense: A historic shutout streak.
- Momentum: Peaking at the perfect time.
They now await their final opponent. The winner of the Canada versus Switzerland semifinal will stand between Team USA and the gold. The Americans will use the rest day to prepare for what promises to be an electric final showdown.
The mission is clear. They want the gold medal around their necks when they leave Italy.
Team USA has proven they are the team to beat in 2026. Their blend of veteran leadership and young talent is clicking perfectly. Sweden will look to regroup for bronze, but for the Americans, only one color matters now.
