olympic hockey semifinal: U.S. dominates Sweden, will play Canada for gold
performance in Milan, the United States women’s hockey team crushed Sweden 5-0 in the semifinal and advanced to the gold-medal game against Canada on Thursday at 1: 10 p. m. ET. The victory extended the Americans’ run of dominance — five consecutive shutouts and a staggering 31-1 goal differential through the tournament.
U. S. depth and defense overwhelm Sweden
The game never swung in Sweden’s favor. Eleven minutes in, Swedish fans celebrated their team’s first shot on goal, a symbolic moment that encapsulated the mismatch that followed. The U. S. struck early and often, with five different scorers crossing the line and goaltender Aerin Frankel recording another shutout. The Americans have now gone 16 straight periods without allowing a goal, a run that has suffocated every opponent in Milan.
From the opening goal — a wrist shot from Cayla Barnes just over five minutes into the first period — the U. S. established control. Pressure was relentless at both ends: forwards cycled, defenders pinched at opportune moments, and special teams stayed disciplined. The result was a one-sided semifinal that highlighted roster depth as much as top-end talent.
Sweden’s surprising run ends; context for the final
Sweden arrived in the medal round riding a wave of confidence. Seeded into the lower group during preliminary play, they used that perceived slight as motivation, winning group games convincingly and shutting out a bronze-contending opponent in the quarterfinals. Still, the semifinal exposed the gulf in resources and execution when the Swedes faced a top-tier opponent firing on all cylinders.
Canada, the reigning Olympic champion, will meet the U. S. in the gold-medal matchup. The two North American rivals have largely defined women’s Olympic hockey history, and the upcoming meeting on Thursday at 1: 10 p. m. ET promises another high-stakes chapter. Canada entered the tournament without injured captain Marie-Philip Poulin for a previous loss to the U. S., and while they have the pedigree to rebound, the Americans’ form in Milan — outscoring opponents by an overwhelming margin and surrendering a single fluky goal earlier in the tournament — makes them the team to beat.
What to watch in the gold-medal game
Key factors for the final will be goaltending composure, special-teams execution, and whether Canada can scramble an effective counter to the Americans’ layered attack. The U. S. locker room has been repeatedly praised for its buy-in and role clarity; players emphasize how willingness to perform assigned tasks has translated into dominant results.
For Canada, adjustments up front and tightening access to high-danger areas in front of their net will be essential. The semifinal win leaves the U. S. with momentum and confidence, but a gold-medal game between these neighbors is rarely a foregone conclusion. Expect physicality, quick transitions, and strategic chess matches between coaching staffs as both sides vie for Olympic gold.
The final will not only decide the Olympic champion but also offer a snapshot of the current balance of power in women’s international hockey. With a rematch set and narratives running high, Thursday’s 1: 10 p. m. ET game in Milan is shaping up as a must-see clash for the sport.
