U.S. Women's Hockey Team One Win Away From Olympic Glory

Americans dominate with fifth straight shutout, set to play for gold medal

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The U.S. women's hockey team has punched their ticket to the gold medal final at the Milan Cortina Games, defeating Sweden 5-0 in the semifinals. Goaltender Aerin Frankel made history by recording her third shutout of the tournament, the first goalie to do so in Olympic women's hockey. The Americans have not surrendered a single goal in 16 consecutive periods, an 11-day and 5-game streak, as they look to cement their status as the best U.S. women's hockey team ever.

Why it matters

The U.S. women's hockey team has long been a dominant force on the international stage, but this Olympic run has the potential to cement their legacy as the greatest in American history. After some high-profile disappointments for other U.S. athletes at these Games, the women's hockey team has provided a reliable and inspiring performance that has captivated the nation.

The details

In the semifinal matchup against Sweden, the U.S. women's hockey team cruised to a 5-0 victory, their fifth straight shutout of the tournament. Goaltender Aerin Frankel made history by recording her third shutout, becoming the first Olympic women's hockey goalie to achieve that feat in a single tournament. The Americans' defensive dominance has been unparalleled, as they have not allowed a goal in 16 consecutive periods dating back 11 days and 5 games.

  • The U.S. women's hockey team defeated Sweden 5-0 in the semifinals on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Aerin Frankel recorded her third shutout of the Olympic tournament, a first in women's hockey history.

The players

Aerin Frankel

The U.S. women's hockey team's starting goaltender, who has made history by recording three shutouts in a single Olympic tournament, a first in the sport.

Team USA

The U.S. women's hockey team, which has dominated the competition at the Milan Cortina Games, not surrendering a single goal in 16 consecutive periods.

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What they’re saying

“This team has been on a mission since day one, and we're not done yet. We're one win away from making history, and we're going to leave it all on the ice.”

— Aerin Frankel, U.S. Women's Hockey Goaltender (New York Post)

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team will play in the gold medal final on Thursday, February 20, 2026, where they will look to cement their status as the greatest American women's hockey team of all time.

The takeaway

The U.S. women's hockey team's dominant run at the Milan Cortina Games has provided a much-needed boost for American sports fans after some high-profile disappointments. Their quest for Olympic glory has captivated the nation, and a gold medal would solidify their legacy as the best women's hockey team in U.S. history.