olympic hockey: U.S. women rout Sweden, set up gold-medal rematch with Canada
In a dominant semifinal performance that underlined depth and defensive discipline, the United States women's ice hockey team blanked Sweden 5-0 to advance to Thursday's gold-medal game (ET), where they will meet long-time rivals Canada. The win continued a rare run of shutout dominance and left the U. S. firmly in control as the tournament enters its final day.
U. S. attack spreads the scoring, defense seals the deal
The semifinal showcased a balanced attack: five different U. S. scorers found the back of the net, and a stifling defensive effort limited Sweden’s chances all game. The Americans have not conceded a goal in the last 331 minutes of play, an Olympic mark that reflects systematic defensive responsibility and elite goaltending. Across the tournament the U. S. has outscored opponents 31-1, a margin that has combined potent offense with suffocating transitional and zone coverage.
That combination — multiple scoring threats and a near-impenetrable back end — has become the hallmark of this roster. Special teams and timely line changes repeatedly disrupted Sweden’s attempts to build momentum, and the depth scoring ensured the pressure never relented. With the win, the U. S. advances to a gold-medal matchup against Canada, renewing a rivalry that has defined the sport on the Olympic stage since women’s hockey debuted in 1998.
What to expect in the gold-medal rematch
The upcoming gold-medal game promises a classic confrontation: two North American powerhouses, both with heavy scoring talent and structured defensive systems. The U. S. will rely on its depth scoring and its record-setting shutout streak, while Canada will look to exploit turnovers and tilt play with veteran leaders. Special teams — power play and penalty kill — could swing the outcome, and goaltending under high-leverage pressure will be a decisive factor.
For the U. S., sustaining the current level of execution will be essential. Maintaining disciplined gap control, limiting giveaways in transition and converting scoring chances on the attack will determine whether this team can close out the tournament with gold.
Other notable moments from the day
The slate produced several standout storylines beyond the rink. In bobsled, a veteran athlete captured her first Olympic gold in the women's monobob, completing a run of medals that now places her among the most decorated American women in Winter Olympic history. The emotional victory included a family celebration on the ice as she embraced her two sons following the medal ceremony.
Figure skating delivered history: a pair from Japan roared back from fifth after the short program to post a massive free-skate score of 158. 13 and claim the country's first Olympic medal in pair skating. A Georgian duo earned silver and celebrated the nation's first-ever Winter Olympic medal, while a top-ranked German pair fell short after leading early in the event.
The day also featured an emotional exit in alpine competition. A skier who had been leading into the second run suffered a costly mistake, straddling a gate and losing control. Frustration boiled over in a visible outburst on course, underscoring the razor-thin margins and intense emotions that define Olympic competition.
As the Games head into the final sessions, the U. S. women's hockey team will carry momentum, confidence and a record-setting defensive streak into a gold-medal showdown that could add another chapter to one of the sport's most storied rivalries.
