Team USA’s Olympic Dominance Sets Up High-Stakes Final Against Canada
Team USA vs. Italy Feburary 13, 2026. Photo credits: Alex Sirac.
Written By Gina Anton
MILAN — At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Team USA has been nothing short of dominant, steamrolling nearly every opponent on the road to the gold-medal game. The Americans now await rival Canada in the final, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19.
Through six games, the Americans have been nearly untouchable: They’ve outscored opponents 31-1 and recorded five consecutive shutouts, an Olympic record for most straight games without conceding a goal. Goaltender Aerin Frankel has been the backbone of this run, stopping an astounding number of shots and posting a save percentage north of .98, with just one goal allowed in more than 331 minutes of play.
5-0 Over Canada: A Statement Win
Perhaps no result better encapsulates Team USA’s success than its 5-0 victory over Canada in the preliminary round, a result that sent shockwaves around the hockey world. In that game, the United States outshot the defending Olympic champions and surged from the start, scoring early and continuing to press throughout while riding contributions from Hannah Bilka (two goals), Caroline Harvey, Kirsten Simms and Laila Edwards.
It wasn’t just a big win; it was historic. That scoreline marked the first shutout Canada has suffered in Olympic women’s hockey history and one of the largest defeats in the storied rivalry between the North American powerhouses.
USA’s discipline showed in the box score: consistent offensive pressure (33 shots to Canada’s 20) and a committed defense that never let Canada settle into its rhythm. This was a team firing on all cylinders, with balanced scoring depth, elite goaltending and a defense that kept the Canadian attack in check.
What This Says About Team USA
Offensively, the United States has scored at least five goals in every game so far, reflecting depth throughout the lineup and an ability to generate consistent scoring from multiple players.
Defensively, the team has suffocated opponents, providing one of the strongest back ends in Olympic history.
Goaltending has been elite at every turn. Frankel’s shutouts and composure under fire have quietly been the foundation of this run.
Perhaps most importantly, USA’s play reflects sustained excellence, not a single lucky performance. The team has executed its system of pressure forecheck, quick transitions and tight gap control against every opponent, not just Canada.
Can Canada Strike Back?
Despite the lopsided group-stage result, Thursday’s final is an entirely new game. Canada has a long legacy of rising under pressure and remains one of the most decorated programs in women’s hockey.
The Canadians have also dealt with injuries during the preliminary round, including the absence of star Marie-Philip Poulin, but she’s expected to be a factor if healthy.
Team USA’s players have been cautious in the face of expectations, with veterans insisting they’re focused on executing game by game rather than celebrating past wins. Defender Caroline Harvey summed it up this way ahead of the semifinals.
“There is definitely some pressure, of course, because we care and we want to keep that standard alive and be playing great USA hockey,"
USA’s performance shows it is capable of dominance at the highest level. A 5-0 win over Canada is a statement about depth, preparation and belief. But whether the Americans win gold or silver will be decided this week. With two hockey powerhouses on the ice, expect another classic matchup.
