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2026 Olympics

2026 Olympic Semifinal Preview: USA vs. Sweden

The United States and Sweden, both currently undefeated in women's hockey at the 2026 Olympics, will meet in Monday's opening semifinal.

2026 Olympic Semifinal Preview: USA vs. Sweden
Feb 13, 2026; Milan, Italy; Laila Edwards of United States during the match against Italy in a women's ice hockey quarterfinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

What happens when two unstoppable forces collide? We're about to find out, as the United States and Sweden — the only two undefeated teams in women's hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics — meet in Monday's opening semifinal. Puck drop is set for 10:40 am ET.

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Path to the Semifinal

Both teams went a perfect 4-0 in the preliminary round, and overall, all aspects of their games are fairly well-matched heading into this one. Team USA scored 20 goals in the preliminary round, allowing just one goal and notching three shutouts. Sweden scored 18 goals and allowed two, registering two shutouts.

Both teams also won their respective quarterfinal games via shutout. The Americans ended Italy's Cinderella story with a 6-0 win, backed by Kendall Coyne Schofield's two-goal performance and six saves from Gwyneth Philips.

Team USA Stays Dominant, Defeating Host Italy 6-0
Italy’s Cinderella story ended at the hands of a superpowered American squad today.
The Ice GardenLydia Murray

Sweden outmatched Czechia 2-0 in their quarterfinal matchup. Hanna Olsson had the game-winning goal, with Hilda Svensson adding an empty-netter for insurance. Ebba Svensson Träff made 29 saves, guaranteeing Sweden a semifinal spot for the first time since 2014.

Sweden’s Success in Italy Continues with a Shutout Victory over Czechia
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The Ice GardenNatalia Rachman

Players to Watch

Wisconsin Badgers defender Caroline Harvey is the one to watch for the Americans. The 23-year-old leads all skaters in scoring, with two goals and seven assists for nine points — from the blueline. In addition, she leads all American skaters in ice time, averaging 22:39 per game, and has put 24 shots on goal — the second-most of any player in the tournament. She also leads all players with a plus-12 rating.

Sticking with the NCAA theme here, Thea Johansson has been excellent for Sweden this tournament. The 23-year-old Minnesota-Duluth forward has wasted no time in her first Olympics. In five games, she has four goals and two assists for six points. Johansson has averaged 17:03 per game and has 14 shots on goal.

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The UMD duo will be making their Olympic debuts for Sweden when the games begin on Feb. 5.
The Ice GardenGiselle Velazquez

Much will be expected of both players as their respective teams hope to move on to the gold medal game. Team USA has reached the gold medal game in each of the last four Olympics; the last time they failed was in 2006, when Sweden beat them in game-winning shots in the semifinal. That is also the last time Sweden reached the gold medal game, winning silver in a 4-1 loss to Canada.

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