US women’s hockey surges to 5-0 lead on Italy, Coyne Schofield nets two as quarterfinal tilts one way

Team USA seized control of its Olympic quarterfinal on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, building a 5-0 advantage over host nation Italy in Milan behind two goals from Kendall Coyne Schofield and strikes from Megan Keller, Laila Edwards and Britta Curl-Salemme. Aerin Frankel continued her airtight tournament in goal, backstopping a defensive effort that has extended the Americans’ shutout streak to 240 minutes.

Second-period surge breaks it open

After a measured first period, the Americans found separation with a blistering burst, stacking three goals in less than four minutes to put the game out of reach. Coyne Schofield jump-started the run and added another shortly after from a tight angle, while Edwards threaded a shot through traffic from the slot. The sequence followed a steady wave of pressure that saw the United States outskate and outshoot Italy by a wide margin.

Curl-Salemme added the fifth on a wraparound, capping a sequence that began with a shorthanded rush and quick denial at the far post. Earlier, Keller opened the scoring in the first period with a low drive, rewarding a dominant stretch in possession. Italy used a timeout to stem the tide at 3-0, but momentum remained squarely with the Americans.

Coyne Schofield leads the line; depth drives the attack

Coyne Schofield, skating with her trademark pace, has been central to the Americans’ attack, buzzing on retrievals and finishing at the net front. Her second tally showcased that edge, sneaking a sharp-angle effort through traffic. The depth behind her continued to hum as well. Grace Zumwinkle’s forechecking and quick touches helped trigger multiple looks, including a deft flip in tight that preceded Coyne Schofield’s second. Edwards’ finishing touch from the slot underscored how the United States generated layers of offense by getting pucks and bodies into hard areas.

Coaches have kept line combinations fluid throughout the tournament, including rotations on the top left wing where Hannah Bilka and Curl-Salemme have each earned looks. With production coming from every unit, the United States has been able to mix and match while maintaining pressure shifts.

Frankel anchors another lockdown effort

On the back end, Frankel and a committed defensive structure have smothered chances. Italy was limited to just a couple of shots on goal deep into the game, often one-and-done as the Americans won battles along the boards and cleared the slot. The penalty kill held firm, including during a boarding minor to Cayla Barnes’ partner (Guilday), and transition defense quickly squeezed out potential odd-man rushes.

The Americans’ shutout streak now spans the equivalent of four full games, a product of clean exits, tight gap control, and Frankel’s calm rebound management. The small details—stick lanes, backpressure from the high forwards, and smart delays at the offensive blue line—kept Italy chasing.

Physical edge and discipline amid flashpoints

The quarterfinal carried its share of friction. Alex Carpenter briefly exited after a knee-on-knee collision but returned, a key reassurance for a forward group that thrives on her vision in the middle of the ice. Tempers flared on both benches over non-calls, including a sequence in the U. S. zone that left Italy’s staff incensed, but the Americans largely kept their composure and stayed out of extended penalty trouble.

Italy’s best looks came on special teams and sporadic point shots, yet the United States denied second opportunities by boxing out net-front and winning races to loose pucks. That physical sharpness paired with speed through neutral ice tilted the territory game decisively.

Path to the podium stays on track

With a commanding cushion in the quarterfinal, the Americans remain on course in a tournament where they have not trailed and have outscored opponents by a wide margin. The group-phase dominance featured a 4-0-0 start and a 20-1 cumulative goal difference across those games, part of a broader run that includes a sustained edge in recent meetings with their primary rival for gold.

History is also in play. The United States has medaled in every Olympic women’s hockey tournament to date. Captain Hilary Knight entered the knockout stage on the cusp of breaking national records for most career Olympic goals and points, further underscoring the blend of veteran leadership and roster continuity: multiple players have experience from 2014, 2018, and 2022, and that familiarity has shown in tight support and automatic reads.

Key numbers and what’s next

- Scoreline: United States 5, Italy 0 (in progress)

- Shutout streak: 240 minutes

- Goal scorers: Kendall Coyne Schofield, Megan Keller, Laila Edwards, Britta Curl-Salemme

The semifinal awaits next, with the gold-medal game scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 19 (ET). With layers of scoring, a stingy blue line, and Frankel in command in the crease, the United States has its medal chase firmly in hand—and a template that continues to travel: speed, structure, and relentless pressure.