usa hockey olympics: U.S. Women Roll Into Gold Medal Game With 5-0 Semifinal Shutout
MILAN — The U. S. women’s hockey team advanced to the Olympic gold-medal game with a decisive 5-0 semifinal victory, a performance that highlighted the squad’s depth and defensive dominance. Goaltender Aerin Frankel recorded a clean sheet while five different players found the net, sending the Americans into a Thursday, Feb. 19, 1: 10 p. m. ET gold-medal showdown against Canada.
Dominant depth and a historic goaltending display
The victory was a team effort from start to finish. Cayla Barnes opened the scoring early in the first period off a feed from Kelly Pannek, and the U. S. controlled much of the frame, outshooting the opponent 13-2 in that period alone. Taylor Heise, Abbey Murphy, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Hayley Scamurra each added goals, illustrating scoring options across multiple lines.
Frankel was immovable in net, stopping all 23 shots she faced and recording her third shutout of the tournament. That mark made her the first goaltender in Olympic women’s hockey history to post three shutouts at a single Games. The team has now outscored opponents 31-1 and has not conceded a goal in 331 minutes and 23 seconds of play, a streak that has become the backbone of their run.
Special teams didn’t factor heavily—the U. S. did not have a power play in the game, while the opponent went 0-for-3 on the man advantage—yet the Americans manufactured offense through possession, quick puck movement and timely finishing. Defensive structure limited high-danger chances and allowed the offense to tilt the ice for extended stretches.
Gold on the line: a familiar rivalry returns
With the win the U. S. will meet Canada for the Olympic title, a matchup that has become emblematic of the sport at the Winter Games. The two North American powers have met for gold in almost every Olympics since women’s hockey debuted, and Thursday’s game promises another chapter in that rivalry.
Head coach John Wroblewski emphasized the collective nature of the result, noting that tenacity and contributions across the roster were crucial. The team will shift focus immediately to preparation and recovery ahead of the gold-medal contest at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Beyond the semifinal scoreline, the tournament has showcased several breakout moments and historic achievements across disciplines, but the U. S. women’s hockey squad has stood out for consistency. Their defensive resilience paired with balanced scoring makes them a difficult opponent in a one-game championship setting.
As the program heads into the final, attention will turn to strategies for breaking through a Canada defense that historically matches intensity and skill. Special teams execution, line matchups and in-game adjustments will likely determine the outcome, with goaltending once again a potential deciding factor.
The gold-medal game is set for Thursday, Feb. 19, at 1: 10 p. m. ET. The U. S. enters with momentum and a roster that has demonstrated both depth and discipline—qualities that will be tested when they face their most familiar rival on the sport’s biggest stage.
