USA Defeats Sweden in Olympic Women’s Hockey Semi-Final, Eyes Gold

The United States women’s national hockey team advanced to the gold medal game at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, defeating Sweden 5-0 in a semi-final match on Monday, February 16th. The win sets up a highly anticipated final against either Canada or Switzerland.

First Period Battle, Second Period Breakaway

Sweden resisted early pressure, entering the first intermission with only a 1-0 deficit. However, the Swedish team managed just two shots on goal against the Americans during the period. The second period proved decisive, as the USA scored three goals in a rapid three-minute span, effectively sealing Sweden’s fate.

“It is a huge push here by the USA that punctures this match,” commented SVT expert Härenstam.

Third Period Consolidation and Controversy

The third period saw the USA consolidate its lead, with the final score reaching 5-0. Despite the loss, Swedish captain Ulf Lundberg praised his team’s behavior in the third period, stating they would take that resilience into their upcoming bronze medal match.

“It is significant to get a complete hit in a match like this, we don’t really get that. But we must remember that it goes a little too fast. But we had our chance with the power play in the second. But I am exceptionally happy about the behavior we have in the third period, we will take that with us against Canada or Switzerland,” Lundberg said.

Abbey Murphy Tackle Sparks Debate

A controversial tackle by USA’s Abbey Murphy on Emma Söderberg drew criticism and resulted in a two-minute expulsion. Jonas Andersson, an SVT expert, described the tackle as a “match penalty” and expressed his frustration.

“It’s clearly a match penalty – I’m pissed off,” Andersson stated.

Bronze Medal Match and Swedish Olympic History

Sweden will compete for the bronze medal on Thursday, February 18th, against either Switzerland or Canada. The match will be broadcast on SVT.

Sweden’s last Olympic medal in women’s ice hockey came in 2006, when they won silver at the Turin Olympics after losing to Canada in the final. Damkronorna, as the Swedish team is known, currently holds the 7th ranking in the IIHF as of April 21, 2025. Team USA advanced to the final after shutting out Sweden.

Key Takeaways

• The USA defeated Sweden 5-0 in the Olympic semi-final.
• The USA will play for the gold medal against either Canada or Switzerland.
• Sweden will compete for the bronze medal against either Switzerland or Canada.
• A controversial tackle by Abbey Murphy sparked debate.