Second Period Surge Propels Team USA To Semifinals Over Italy In Women’s Hockey
Feb 13, 2026, 3:44 PM
Megan Keller #5 of Team United States celebrates a goal with teammates in the first period during the Women's Quarterfinals match between the United States and Italy on day seven of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena on February 13, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – The United States Women’s hockey is onto the semifinals in Milan after crushing Italy in commanding fashion 6-0.
Despite a low scoring initial frame that resulted in a 1-0 American advantage heading into the locker room, Team USA dialed up their intensity enroute to five demoralizing goals in the second period.
Moving on to the semifinals!! 🇺🇸 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/kaESv6m8A9
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2026
Team USA crush Italy in quarterfinals after explosive middle frame
Facing the gold medal favorites in the quarterfinal, Italy had no choice but to play an extremely physical game against the Americans.
Through the first period, and despite trailing in shots 20-2, the Italians kept the score close with an aggressive approach as they won puck battles, pushed around the United States and even delivered a few hits that were penalized.
Not to say that this approach completely threw USA off their game, but the Americans were simply not as effective offensively.
Megan Keller WHIZZES one by to give USA the early lead.
📺: #WinterOlympics on Peacock and USA pic.twitter.com/luXOqrOXvJ
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 13, 2026
However, once the U.S. matched Italy’s physicality in the second period, the goals started stacking up as the visitors dominated the net front, crashed hard and generated traffic to place five total pucks past goaltender Gabriella Durante.
Laila Edwards has TWO Olympic goals under her belt now. 😤 pic.twitter.com/dFoxYNb59P
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 13, 2026
Pure dominance from the USA women. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Q6AThrBhcG
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 13, 2026
Into the third, Team USA maintained their lead and shifted their focus towards protecting Gwyneth Philips shutout as the Italians only managed six total shots throughout the contest.
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What’s next for Team USA Hockey?
Following their victory over Italy, the United States Women’s hockey team will face Sweden in the semifinal on Monday.
Puck drop is TBD.
After defeating Latvia, the United States Men’s hockey team will play Denmark on Saturday at 1:10 p.m. MT.
Both games will be available via stream on Peacock
Cole Bagley is the Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
Take us with you, wherever you go.
