In front of a spirited Milan crowd, Team USA’s quest for gold reached the semifinal stage in clinical fashion on Friday, as the top-seeded Americans dismantled host nation Italy 6-0 in its most dominant game yet.

While the final score reflected the expected talent gap, the path there was far from immediate. The U.S. found themselves locked in a frustrating defensive stalemate through the opening twenty minutes, as Italian goaltender Gabriella Durante put on a masterclass between the pipes. Despite a relentless 20-2 shot advantage in the first period, the Americans could only manage a single breakthrough from Megan Keller, leaving the door ajar for the underdog.

That door was slammed shut in a whirlwind second period that saw the United States find their championship rhythm. The Americans erupted for five goals in the middle frame, effectively ending the contest before the second intermission. The surge was fueled by veteran speedster Kendall Coyne Schofield, who struck twice to provide the breathing room the U.S. had been chasing. Her first goal, a sharp-angle beauty early in the period, finally cracked the Italian resolve and sparked a scoring clinic that included tallies from Laila Edwards, Britta Curl, and Hannah Bilka.

STREAM: Watch USA take on Italy live via Peacock

By the time the final horn sounded, the statistical dominance was staggering. The United States finished with a 51-6 advantage in shots on goal, a testament to a defensive unit that has become a literal brick wall. Gwyneth Philips’ quiet night in net secured the team’s fourth consecutive shutout, extending a remarkable streak of scoreless hockey that dates back to the second period of their tournament opener. The U.S. has now outscored opponents 26-1 over five games, looking every bit the juggernaut as they move into the medal rounds.

With the quarterfinals in the rearview mirror, the Americans now turn their attention to a high-stakes semifinal matchup on Monday, February 16. Having brushed aside the host nation, they sit just two wins away from reclaiming the Olympic title they last held in 2018. As the competition tightens, the U.S. will look to maintain their impenetrable defensive form while hoping captain Hilary Knight can finally find the elusive point needed to become the all-time leading scorer in U.S. Olympic history.

The Sporting News followed all the action from another dominating effort as Team USA took one massive step closer to the coveted gold medal. Check out all the highlights below.

MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer’s guide | Day-by-day schedule

USA vs. Italy hockey scoreUSA vs. Italy live updates, highlights from 2026 Olympic men’s hockey gameFinal: United States 6, Italy 0

5:31 p.m.: Team USA is onto the semifinals.

It was an absolutely dominant effort against the hosts; though the first period was frustrating and net only one goal, a five-goal second put the nails in the coffin. By the end, the U.S. outshot Italy 51-6, sending the hosts home.

The Stars and Stripes now have four consecutive shutouts, and the last goal they gave up was over 270 minutes of game time ago. Goals from Keller, Coyne Schofield (x2), Edwards, Curl and Bilka gave the U.S. its biggest win yet this tournament.

Two more games for the United States to catch their first gold since 2018. Right now, they’re mauling everyone in their path.

5:29 p.m.: The puck somehow stays out with the second power play unit on as the U.S. eclipses 50 shots.

The margin is 51-5 as the penalty expires.

5:27 p.m.: With 3:13 remaining, the U.S. has its fourth power play.

Expect Hilary Knight to be on the ice the entire time, with the team looking for her record-breaking point.

5:23 p.m.: The penalty expires and the U.S. is 0-for-3 on the man advantage tonight. There were a few shots, but Durante stood tall.

As the clock ticks under five minutes, it’s still 6-0.

5:18 p.m.: Team USA is heading back to the power play after a hooking penalty on Kristen Guerriero.

There’s 7:14 remaining in the contest.

5:14 p.m.: Halfway through the third, the U.S. is still holding on to a 6-0 lead.

The States have outscored their opponents 26-1 so far this tournament and will take a step closer to the podium after today’s win.

5:09 p.m.: Eight minutes in, the United States has one shot this period but the margin is still 40-5.

5:00 p.m.: The United States are leading 6-0 as the third period is underway.

Unless one of the most miraculous things in Olympic history happens, the Stars and Stripes will be moving on

End of the second period: United States 6, Italy 0

4:40 p.m.: At the end of 40, it’s U.S. domination.

Even with the Italian scrums and physicality, the Americans are outshooting Italy 39-4. It’s 6-0 with 20 minutes left to go.

Expect Italy to come out with some fight and not willing to go down easy. But, the second period confirmed what many knew: this was Team USA’s game all along.

United States 6, Italy 0

4:38 p.m. GOAL: It’s 6-0, with Bilka geting her third goal in two games.

As the game’s been getting more and more out of hand, the Italians have been more physical. The tensions rile up here, with Bilka’s point blank chance going in and a scrum breaking out.

John Wroblenski is not happy with the Italians and is pleading his case with the refs.

4:33 p.m.: It was almost the breakthrough, but Della Rovere’s shot goes off the crossbar.

The shot margin is 34-4 as it stands.

4:30 p.m.: The Italians find themselves on a 2-on-1, with Fantin’s shot from the left side getting stopped Philips. They are up to four shots in the game.

Though, the U.S. heads to the box again, this time Cayla Barnes.

4:26 p.m.: Italy finally gets its first shot, ending an over 25-minute span. On the man advantage, the Americans were getting blocks on everything. Though, one finally got through to Philips.

United States 5, Italy 0

4:24 p.m. GOAL: Now, it’s a shorthanded goal for the U.S.

It’s Curl, who got an assist earlier in the game, who takes the puck behind the net and gets it behind Durante on the wraparound.

The U.S. has blown the game open with four goals in the middle frame.

4:22 p.m.: Italy heads back to the power play, with Rory Guilday going to the box for boarding.

Can the Italians get on the board?

4:18 p.m.: The U.S. had the chance to extend the lead, but Durante makes a save with a player right in front of her.

With over 10 minutes remaining in the second, the favorites are outshooting Italy 30-2. 

United States 4, Italy 0

4:13 p.m. GOAL: It’s another! Laila Edwards has her second goal in as many games.

No. 10 is alone at the point and lets loose a wrister, which goes just above Durante’s glove and into the net.

Give her a lane, she’s gonna score 🇺🇸 Laila Edwards nets her second career #WinterOlympic goal!pic.twitter.com/sAZdn5y7Ms

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2026

The U.S. is now outshooting Italy 27-2 and leads 4-0. After a first period where the Italian goaltender kept the game close, the States have been dominant.

United States 3, Italy 0

4:11 p.m. GOAL: Coyne Schofield has her second of the period, giving the U.S. a 3-0 lead.

The puck gets loose in front, with Grace Zumwinkle dumping it off to Britta Curl, who then sets up Coyne Schofield for an easy finish.

With 15:09 remaining, the U.S. leads 3-0.

United States 2, Italy 0

4:06 p.m. GOAL: The U.S. takes a 2-0 lead early in the second period, and it’s Kendall Coyne Schofield who gets her first point of the tournament.

From a sharp angle, No. 26 squeaks the puck by Durante to give the States some cushion.

4:04 p.m.: The first minute of the second period is spent entirely in the Italian zone. Bilka gets a pass and has a one-on-one, but Durante keeps the puck out. Then, a few seconds later, Harvey gets a chance of her own on a wraparound but it’s saved by Durante.

The Italian goaltender has been the story of the game.

4:02 p.m.: The second period is set to begin in Milan.

Though this game has been all U.S., Durante has kept Italy in the game. All it takes is one bounce to tie the game.

End of the first period: United States 1, Italy 0

3:45 p.m.: In a fitting way to end the first period, Murphy’s one-timer is somehow saved by Durante, who reaches her stick out to make the save of the game.

The buzzer sounds and it’s 1-0 to Team USA, but it should be much more. Durante has 19 saves, capped off by the one on Murphy.

The States are outshooting Italy 20-2 through one.

3:38 p.m.: Without Durante, this game would be out of hand.

As the power play winds down, Murphy is right to Durante’s side and the Italian goalie sprawls to make the save. Then, the ensuing play, she makes another one.

The U.S. is outshooting Italy 19-2.

United States 1, Italy 0

3:36 p.m. GOAL: The United States finally break through and are on the board.

It’s Megan Keller, who takes a faceoff win and gives it to Laila Edwards. Edwards gives it right back and Keller rips it past Durante.

Can we get the shot speed on Keller’s goal?! #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/5DWwgirmDG

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2026

The United States take a 1-0 lead with 6:29 remaining, and will have a man advantage coming up. Edwards and Keller both picked up their fifth point of the tournament.

3:34 p.m.: With 30 seconds left on the power play, Kendall Coyne Schofield makes a play then gets boarded. She was slow to get up but made her way back to the bench.

The Italy power play ends without a shot, and its 4-on-4 for half a minute. Then, the U.S. will get another opportunity on the man advantage.

3:31 p.m.: The Italians are going to the power play.

It’s a mental mistake by Philips, who goes for the puck outside of the trapezoid.

The U.S. has not given up a power play goal yet this tournament and need a stop here to keep the game level.

3:27 p.m.: Hannah Bilka, who scored twice in team USA’s win over Canada, chases a puck behind the net and sets up Murphy in the crease, but Durante makes another save.

She has 13 and we’re not halfway through the first yet.

3:24 p.m.: The Italians have a breakaway attempt, with Justine Reyes stealing the puck in the neutral zone but gets her attempt poked away by Philips.

While the Italians have had few chances, both were high-danger chances.

3:22 p.m.: We’re at the first commercial break, which comes just over eight minutes into the game. The score is still 0-0.

The U.S. is outshooting Italy 10-1, but Durante has made every save. While most of the play has been in the Italian zone, the team in blue can’t break the deadlock.

Italy’s one shot came on the 2-on-1, which was staved away by Philips.

3:20 p.m.: The Italians kill the power play, with Durante making three saves. 

We’re five minutes in with the score 0-0.

3:18 p.m.: Team USA has gotten some shots on the man advantage, one by Murphy and one by Taylor Heise, but both were saved by Durante. 

There’s 50 seconds remaining, and Durante makes another save.

3:16 p.m.: We have our first penalty of the game, with Italian captain Nadi Mattivi going to the box for an illegal open-ice hit.

It sends the Americans and their lethal power play unit onto the ice for the first time today.

3:14 p.m.: Now, the Italians get their first shot, with Kristin Della Rovere ripping a shot at Philips, but she saves it with the glove.

At the other end, Kirsten Sims gets a shot that’s saved by Durante. This game has been high pace so far.

3:12 p.m.: 20 seconds in, Team USA has the first chance, with a shot then rebound being saved by the Italian goaltender Gabriella Durante.

3:11 p.m.: The puck has dropped and we are officially underway in Milan.

The U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team’s #WinterOlympics quarterfinal vs Italy starts NOW ‼️

📺 USA Network and @peacock
📖 https://t.co/LEwdSvlMeK
📈 https://t.co/mr0pZn6J5x pic.twitter.com/fsphZ0VlQO

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2026

3:05 p.m.: Puck drop is minutes away.

The United States enters the knockout stage as the top overall seed after a perfect 4-0-0-0 preliminary run, punctuated by a massive 5-0 shutout of rival Canada. Having outscored opponents 20-1 and riding a streak of over 211 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal, the Americans look like an unstoppable freight train on a mission to reclaim the gold they lost four years ago.

For the host nation, Italy, simply being here is a victory. This is their first Olympic appearance in two decades and the first time in their history they have ever advanced past the preliminary round. Led by veteran defender Laura Fortino and rising star Matilde Fantin, the Italians have charmed the home crowd with gritty wins over France and Japan. While they face a staggering talent gap—with prediction markets giving them just a 1% chance of an upset— the “Azzurre” are playing with house money, fueled by the energy of the Milano Rho arena and the pride of proving they belong on the world stage.

Let’s see how today’s game unfolds.

2:48 p.m.: We have a goaltending change for Team USA, with Gwyneth Philips getting the nod tonight.

Gwyneth gets the call tonight! #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/AVc7XGZhew

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2026

Philips starts over Aerin Frankel, who had two shutouts in the group stage, including against Canada.

2:30 p.m.: The starting lines are out for Team USA, who roll with pretty much the same group from the dominating win against Canada.

Line it up! #WinterOlympics game preview:https://t.co/LEwdSvlMeK pic.twitter.com/WuCJ6mm40q

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2026

The eyes are on No. 21, Hilary Knight, who can break the all-time points and goals record for the U.S. today.

2:13 p.m.: The U.S. enters today’s game as a HEAVY favorite.

USA Women are -7.5 vs. Italy.

The total? Also 7.5. 🦅🇺🇸🏒 pic.twitter.com/REGZG08ZSN

— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) February 13, 2026

Though, fans of the team will be happy with a win in any shape or form.

1:50 p.m.: With puck drop approaching, Team USA is looking to up the intensity, knowing today could be their final game.

Ready to keep climbing.

Read up on Team USA’s hunger to keep leveling up as they head into today’s #WinterOlympics quarterfinal: https://t.co/bFfC6xhdLR pic.twitter.com/nyRDCx6kry

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2026

1:19 p.m.: It’s do-or-die time for Team USA, who enters the quarterfinals as the top seed. Today’s opponent is the Olympic hosts, Italy.

This will be the first time the teams have ever met in the Olympics.

Things to note before today’s quarterfinal matchup!

Team USA will face off against host country Italy at 3:10 p.m. ET on USA Network and @peacock.#WinterOlympics game preview: https://t.co/LEwdSvlMeK pic.twitter.com/08owoZmGU5

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2026

A few storylines to watch include the U.S. dominance in the group stage and whether it transfers over, stars like Abbey Murphy and Caroline Harvey coming off a three-point performance, and of course, Hilary Knight being a goal away from the all-time U.S. Olympic record.

How to watch USA vs. ItalyUSA vs. Italy start timeDate: Feb. 13Time: 3:10 p.m. ET

The United States starts the knockout stage on Friday, Feb. 13 at 3:10 p.m. ET from the Milano Santagiulia IHO arena.

This is the teams’ first ever meeting in the Olympics.

What channel is USA vs. Italy on?TV channel: USA Network (U.S.), CBC (Canada)Live stream: Peacock (U.S.), CBC Gem (Canada)

The USA vs. Italy quarterfinal matchup will be broadcast nationally on USA Network in the United States and on CBC in Canada. Fans can also catch the game live on Peacock (U.S.) and CBC Gem (Canada).

MORE: Where Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight rank for most Olympic goals ever

Olympic women’s hockey schedule 2026

Here’s a look at the remaining schedule and results for the Olympic women’s hockey tournament in Milan.

Monday, Feb. 9GroupMatchupTime (ET)Group BItaly 3, Japan 26:10 a.m.Group BGermany 2, France 110:40 a.m.Group AUnited States 5, Switzerland 011:40 a.m.Group ACanada 5, Czechia 112:10 p.m.Tuesday, Feb. 10GroupMatchupTime (ET)Group BSweden 4, Japan 06:10 a.m.Group BGermany 2, Italy 110:40 a.m.Group AUnited States 5, Canada 02:10 p.m.Group AFinland 3, Switzerland 13:10 p.m.Thursday, Feb. 12RoundMatchupTime (ET)Group ACanada 5, Finland 02:30 p.m.Friday, Feb. 13RoundMatchupTime (ET)QuarterfinalsSweden 2, Czechia 010:40 a.m.QuarterfinalsUnited States 6, Italy 03:10 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 14RoundMatchupTime (ET)QuarterfinalsCanada vs. Germany10:40 a.m.QuarterfinalsFinland vs. Switzerland3:10 p.m.Monday, Feb. 16RoundMatchupTime (ET)SemifinalsTBD vs. TBD10:40 a.m.SemifinalsTBD vs. TBD3:10 p.m.Thursday, Feb. 19RoundMatchupTime (ET)Bronze MedalTBD vs. TBD8:40 a.m.Gold MedalTBD vs. TBD3:10 p.m.