U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team Advances to Gold Medal Game After Semifinal Win Over Sweden
The United States secured a spot in the 2026 Olympic gold-medal game with a victory over Sweden in the semifinal on Monday. The win continued an extraordinary defensive run for the Americans and set the stage for a showdown with their longtime rivals on Thursday.
Semifinal recap: clutch play and a disciplined performance
The semifinal, which had a puck drop set for 10: 40 a. m. ET on Monday, saw the U. S. play a structured, possession-heavy game that limited Sweden’s scoring chances and tilted play toward the American end. The U. S. defense smothered odd-man opportunities and consistently forced perimeter shots, while forwards cycled in the offensive zone to maintain control of the puck.
Offensively the Americans managed enough chances to keep pressure on Sweden without compromising their defensive posture. The result was a clean victory that propelled the team into the gold-medal game later this week.
Goaltending and defense fuel an historic shutout streak
Goaltending has been a foundational element of the U. S. run. The American netminders have combined to restrict opponents to a vanishingly small number of quality chances, and the defensive corps has posted multiple shutouts en route to the final. One goaltender in particular has been outstanding, starting the majority of games and stopping nearly every shot faced, including a 23-save outing in the semifinal.
Behind that netminder, the backup options have been equally reliable when called upon: one backup posted back-to-back shutouts in group play and the quarterfinal, stopping every shot sent her way across two starts, while the third goalie contributed with relief minutes when needed. Together, the trio has helped the U. S. carry a shutout streak that extends well beyond five full games into the championship match-up.
Defenseman Caroline Harvey has been a standout in two-way minutes, tallying nine points (two goals, seven assists) in the tournament — the most points ever by an American defender in a single Olympic tournament. Her ability to jump into the play offensively while maintaining defensive responsibilities has been instrumental to the team’s balanced identity.
History, momentum and the road ahead
Historically, the U. S. and Sweden have met several times on Olympic ice, with the Americans holding the edge across prior encounters. The only previous Olympic loss to Sweden came in overtime during the 2006 semifinals; otherwise, the U. S. has dominated the matchup. The semifinal victory continues a pattern of success in this stage: the U. S. has a strong record in Olympic semifinal contests and will now compete for gold on the final day of the Games.
Looking ahead, the Americans will face a familiar rival in the gold-medal game on Thursday, where their defensive stinginess and goaltending depth will be tested against one of the tournament’s most potent offenses. The U. S. enters the title tilt carrying not only an extended shutout run but also confidence in its depth up front and on the blue line — elements that have driven the team’s success so far.
Special teams, discipline and the ability to convert high-danger chances will likely determine the outcome in the championship. For now, the U. S. roster can celebrate a semifinal victory that underscores a dominant, defense-first identity and sets up a marquee Olympic finale later this week.
