US Women's Hockey Team Dominates Prelims, Eyes Olympic Gold in 2026 Games
MILAN, ITALY - February 13, 2026 - The U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team has delivered a masterclass in performance, navigating the preliminary round of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games with an unblemished record and a level of dominance that signals serious medal aspirations.
Quarterfinal Showdown Against Host Italy
After a flawless run through their preliminary opponents, the American squad is set to face host nation Italy in a highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET on Friday, February 13th. Fans can catch all the action live on USA Network or stream it on Peacock.
A Perfect Preliminary Round
The U.S. enters the playoff stage as the top overall seed, boasting a perfect 4-0-0-0 record (Wins-Overtime Wins-Overtime Losses-Losses) in the preliminary round. This marks the fifth time in program history that the U.S. has achieved a perfect preliminary record at the Olympics, a testament to their consistent excellence. Their offensive firepower was on full display, outscoring opponents a staggering 20-1 across their first four games. This impressive offensive output, coupled with an impenetrable defense, has firmly established them as a formidable contender.
Historic Defensive Prowess
The defensive unit for Team USA has been nothing short of spectacular, recording three consecutive shutouts against Finland, Switzerland, and Canada. The last time an opponent managed to find the back of the net against the U.S. was 8:37 into the second period of their opening game against Czechia. This means the American defense has held strong for an incredible 211 minutes and 23 seconds of continuous play, a truly remarkable feat that speaks volumes about their discipline, strategy, and execution.
Knight Ties Olympic Scoring Record
Adding another layer to their historic performance, veteran forward Hilary Knight has etched her name further into the Olympic record books. With an assist on the team's first goal against Canada, Knight registered her 32nd career Olympic point, drawing level with Jenny Potter for the most points ever by an American player at the Olympic Winter Games. This milestone underscores Knight's enduring impact and leadership on the international stage.
Unprecedented Matchup with Host Italy
The quarterfinal against Italy presents a unique historical moment. This will be the very first time that the U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team and Italy have faced each other, not only at the Olympics but in any international competition. This novel encounter adds an intriguing dynamic to the knockout stages, as both teams will be looking to make a statement.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Gold
With the preliminary round concluded and the playoffs now underway, the U.S. women's hockey team is keenly focused on the ultimate prize: an Olympic gold medal. Their dominant performance thus far, characterized by a potent offense and an almost impenetrable defense, positions them as strong favorites. The team's ability to consistently perform at such a high level, even under the immense pressure of the Olympic stage, is a testament to their preparation, talent, and unwavering team spirit. As they advance, every game will be a critical step, and the world will be watching to see if this dominant squad can continue their winning ways all the way to the top of the podium.
The journey of the U.S. Women's Olympic Ice Hockey Team in the 2026 Games is a compelling narrative of athletic excellence, historical achievements, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Their performance is not just a win for the team, but a significant moment for women's sports on a global platform.
