In a commanding quarterfinal performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, the United States women’s hockey team delivered a resounding 6-0 victory against host nation Italy on Friday evening. The top-seeded American squad showcased their offensive prowess with five goals in the second period alone, continuing their dominant run through the tournament.
Team captain Kendall Coyne Schofield led the scoring charge with two goals, while Megan Keller, Laila Edwards, Hannah Bilka, and Britta Curl-Salemme each contributed to the scoreboard. Goaltender Gwyneth Philips maintained her exceptional form with six saves, recording her fourth consecutive shutout in Olympic competition.
The American team has demonstrated remarkable offensive efficiency throughout the Games, outscoring opponents 26-1 across five victories. Their only conceded goal occurred during the tournament opener against Czechia. With Friday’s performance, only two U.S. skaters remain without tournament points—defenders Cayla Barnes and Rory Guilday.
The match atmosphere remained electric despite the lopsided score, with passionate fans from both nations engaging in spirited chanting duels. Italian supporters maintained remarkable enthusiasm throughout the game, cheering enthusiastically for every scoring opportunity their team generated.
Italian goaltender Gabriella Durante delivered a standout performance despite the final score, making 45 saves including several spectacular stops. Her most impressive save came with 14 seconds remaining in the first period, using her stick paddle to deny Abbey Murphy’s one-timer from the left circle.
The game intensity occasionally escalated, culminating in a bench-clearing scuffle late in the second period after Bilka’s goal made it 6-0. The confrontation resulted in penalties for both teams and sparked an animated exchange between coaches John Wroblewski of the U.S. and Italy’s Eric Bouchard.
In other Olympic women’s hockey action, Sweden pulled off a significant upset by defeating Czechia 2-0. Hanna Olsson scored a power-play goal in the second period, while 19-year-old goaltender Ebba Traff Svensson stopped all 29 shots she faced. This victory marks Sweden’s first semifinal appearance since the 2014 Sochi Games.
The United States now advances to Monday’s semifinal round, where they will face the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between Canada and Germany.