The U.S. women’s hockey team, regarded as strong contenders for Olympic gold, showcased their prowess on the ice with a dominant 6-0 victory over host Italy, securing a place in their seventh consecutive Olympic semifinal. Forward Abbey Murphy played a pivotal role in the match, drawing and instigating penalties as Team USA dealt with a chippy game that tested their composure amid the Italian tactics.
Forward Taylor Heise described the game as “a little spicy,” emphasizing that the team was prepared to adapt their gameplay to ensure their success. The game was marked by moments of contention, particularly when U.S. coach John Wroblewski verbally contested the officiating, suggesting that teams with less depth often resort to rule-bending strategies to level the playing field.
A noteworthy incident unfolded late in the second period after Team USA’s sixth goal, resulting in a skirmish when Hannah Bilka fell onto Italian goalie Gabriella Durante. In the ensuing chaos, Murphy, known for her feisty play, jumped in with punches directed at Italy’s Franziska Stocker. Both players received minor penalties, but Murphy’s spirited demeanor suggested her dedication to defending her teammates.
Murphy’s aggressive style has proven effective, as she has drawn nine penalties in this tournament alone, while the rest of the U.S. team combined has drawn 10. Heise praised Murphy as “electric,” highlighting her ability to annoy opponents while contributing significantly to the team’s performance, including a previous game against Canada where she recorded numerous assists and penalties that bolstered Team USA’s offensive efforts.
With Murphy leading NCAA in both goals and penalties prior to the Olympics, she has made a name for herself. She remarked on the challenge of maintaining her edge without crossing the line into detrimental behavior, stating, “Our coach said, ‘Find that fine line. Don’t get in trouble… But yeah, you know me.’”
The match atmosphere was electric, supported by a mix of boisterous fans from both sides. Despite frustrations over the style of play from their opponents, forward Tessa Janecke noted the necessity for the U.S. players to stay smart and composed.
As Team USA prepares for the semifinals, they maintain an impressive shutout streak of 271:23 minutes, thanks to goalies Aerin Frankel and Gwyneth Philips. Their continued dominance in Milan is underscored by a staggering goal tally of 26-1 across their matches, underlining their offensive and defensive strength.
Veteran defenseman Lee Stecklein expressed pride in how the team handled the challenges posed by their opponents, highlighting the strong leadership within the squad to refocus on their objectives. Meanwhile, the Italian team managed to improve their Olympic standing, finishing with two wins in five games, a significant milestone compared to their previous experience in 2006.