olympic hockey: U.S. Women Shut Out Sweden, Advance to Gold-Medal Game
In a commanding semifinal performance, the United States women’s hockey team blanked Sweden 5-0 and punched its ticket to the gold-medal game against Canada on Thursday (ET). The victory underscored a dominant run: the U. S. has not allowed a goal in the last 331 minutes, an Olympic record, and has outscored opponents 31-1 through the tournament.
U. S. Defense Dominant in Semifinal
The semifinal was a statement game. Five different American players found the net, highlighting the roster’s depth and balanced attack. The defending defensive unit and goaltending combined to neutralize Sweden’s chances throughout the match, preventing sustained pressure and converting turnovers into transition opportunities.
Special teams and disciplined play kept the momentum firmly on the U. S. side. Penalty kill sequences were efficient, and timely clearings thwarted Sweden in key moments. The shutout extended a historic stretch for the American side: they have not conceded a goal in Olympic competition for 331 consecutive minutes, while riding a near-unstoppable scoring pace.
Thursday’s gold-medal matchup will renew one of international hockey’s fiercest rivalries. These two North American powers have met for Olympic gold repeatedly since women’s hockey was added to the program in 1998, making the upcoming final another high-stakes chapter in a long-running saga.
Other Headlines from the Games
Beyond the ice, the Winter Games produced several memorable moments. In pair skating, a dramatic free skate vaulted one duo from fifth after the short program to the top of the podium. The pair’s free skate earned a 158. 13 score, securing the country’s first-ever Olympic medal in pairs competition. A different duo captured silver and celebrated that nation’s first Winter Olympic medal, while the team that had led after the short program was pushed to the podium off the top spot.
On the bobsled track, a veteran added the one medal that had eluded her collection: a gold in the women’s monobob. The win — by a razor-thin margin of 0. 04 seconds — elevated her to a six-time Olympic medalist and into the record books as one of the most decorated American women in Winter Olympic history. After the victory she embraced her children at the finish area, calling the moment uniquely special for how it was shared with family.
The alpine venue also delivered drama and emotion. A skier who entered the second run leading the event lost control after straddling a gate, then abruptly left the course and collapsed in the snow in a visible display of anguish. The emotional exit was a raw reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in high-stakes competition.
As the tournament moves into its final hours, attention will focus on the gold-medal hockey game on Thursday (ET), where the United States will seek to cap its dominant run with the ultimate prize. Fans can expect another intense clash between two familiar adversaries, with Olympic history and national pride on the line.
