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The U.S. women’s ice hockey team will have a chance to win a gold medal by beating Sweden in the semifinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Monday.
American goalie Aerin Frankel posted another shutout as the American team defeated the Swedes 5-0. Frankel hasn’t allowed a goal since the team’s 5-1 win in its season opener against the Czech Republic. Since then, Team USA has been running at full speed.
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Team USA celebrates its victory against Sweden in a women’s ice hockey semifinal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Cayla Barnes got the United States on the board in the first period. She scored on assists from Kelly Pannek and Lee Stecklein. The game opened up in the second period as the United States continued to reprimand the net and put the puck behind the opposing goaltender.
Tyler Heise, Abbey Murphy, Kendall Coyne Schofield and Hayley Scamurra each scored a goal in the second period. The United States didn’t score in the third, but didn’t have to.
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USA’s Hayley Scamurra, center, celebrates with Tessa Janecke (22) and Britta Curl (17) after Samurra scored against Sweden during the second period of a women’s ice hockey semifinal match at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Frankel made 23 saves in the victory.
The United States entered the group match allowing just one goal and outscored their opponents in the knockout stage 11-0. The Americans will face the winners of Canada and Switzerland for the gold medal.
Team USA has already beaten both teams in group play, 5-0 in each match.
Taylor Heise (27) of the United States joins the celebration after Abbey Murphy, third from left, scored a goal against Sweden during the second period of a women’s ice hockey semifinal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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The Americans will look to avenge a disappointing end to the 2022 Beijing Olympics, which saw them lose to Canada in the gold medal match. The U.S. women’s hockey team has won two gold medals since its first Olympic appearance in 1998. The victories came in 1998 and 2018.
