USA Hockey Cruises Past Canada, 5-0, to Close Preliminary Round
The U. S. women’s team capped a dominant preliminary round in Milan with a statement 5-0 victory over Canada, finishing Group A with a perfect 4-0 record and an impressive defensive streak that has now stretched more than 211 minutes of play. The performance leaves the Americans poised and confident heading into quarterfinal play.
Bilka’s big night, Frankel’s shutout
Hannah Bilka delivered a two-goal performance, while Aerin Frankel turned aside all 20 shots she faced for the shutout. Caroline Harvey opened the scoring early at 3: 45 of the first period, slotting a wrist shot through the Canadian netminder to give the U. S. an early edge. Bilka struck again late in the opening frame after a behind-the-back feed, and the middle period saw Kirsten Simms chip in her first Olympic goal on a power play shove through the crease.
Bilka’s second goal came at 13: 00 of the second, a one-timer off a precise pass that beat the goalie’s glove. Laila Edwards added her first Olympic goal in the third, ripping a wrist shot from the top of the slot. The Americans outshot Canada 33-20 overall and converted on one of six power-play opportunities, while Canadian power plays went unproductive.
Frankel’s clean sheet was her second of the tournament. The U. S. has not conceded a goal in 211: 23 of play and has recorded three straight shutouts, a defensive run that has become the foundation of the team’s success in Milan.
Momentum, matchups and what’s next
The victory keeps the U. S. squarely on track for a deep run. Leadership from veterans and contributions from newer faces have combined to create depth across all lines, and the coaching staff praised the group’s ability to sustain pressure and limit high-danger chances against elite competition.
Up next for the Americans is a quarterfinal meeting with Italy on Friday, Feb. 13 at 3: 10 p. m. ET at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. The U. S. will aim to carry its defensive excellence and scoring balance into the knockout phase, where single-elimination stakes amplify every mistake and every moment of brilliance.
Rivalry remains the storyline
Even as the U. S. prepares for the next opponent, the larger tournament narrative continues to orbit the long-running rivalry with Canada. Canada advanced through its bracket and will again be waiting in the final if both teams meet at the top of the podium picture. The two nations have dominated women’s Olympic hockey for decades, and a potential gold-medal rematch would be the seventh time the countries have met in an Olympic final or decisive contest in recent Games.
For usa hockey, the shutout of a traditional rival is more than a single result — it’s a declaration of readiness. With strong goaltending, veteran leadership and rising offensive contributors, the U. S. looks prepared to defend its standing as the benchmark in women’s hockey heading into the medal rounds.
Notes from the game: the U. S. outshot Canada 33-20. The team’s power play connected once while Canada failed to score on its lone man-advantage opportunity. The Americans’ shutout marks the first time Canada has been held scoreless in 41 Olympic contests.
