Semi-Final Preview

The Quarterfinals have wrapped and the Semi-Finals kick off tomorrow morning with the USA taking on Sweden and Canada taking on Switzerland. 

USA vs Sweden

The USA has continued to dominate the competition through this year’s tournament even against longtime rival, Canada. They have now scored 5 goals or more in every game leading to an impressive 26 goals for, with only 1 goal against. The most impressive part of this feat has been how widespread the success has been with 14 different goal scorers, leading of lots of firsts for a young US team. In her debut Hannah Bilka is leading the US with four goals all scored in the last three games. Their toughest test is going to come against a strong Swedish team. 

So far in the tournament Sweden has gone unscathed entering the quarterfinals undefeated in Group B. In their quarterfinal game they made a statement against Group A’s third overall Czechia with a 2-0 win, once again showing that they’ve outgrown Group B. Much like the US they have dominated their division scoring 20 goals, with only 2 against. Their success has also been widely spread with 12 different goal scorers. In her debut Minnesota Duluth senior, Thea Johansson is leading Sweden with four goals.

This will be the biggest test for both teams as they hunt for a perfect gold. Both teams have been able to find their depth with a mix of young players and vets that have allowed them to be so successful on both ends of the ice. Well this isn’t a medal game it may be one of the biggest games of the tournament as only one team can advance to the gold medal game. 

Canada vs Switzerland

Canada is entering the Semi-Final with only one loss coming against the USA. The Canadians were able to bounce back in their last preliminary game with a 5-0 win over Finland, well still down their Captain Marie-Philip Poulin. Canada has also been able to find their depth with 12 different goal scorers combining for 19 goals, with only 7 goals against. So far in the tournament it’s been their fourth line in the spotlight with Julia Gosling, Kristen O’Neill and Jenn Gardiner combining for 6 goals, despite playing the least amount of minutes. 

While on the other side Switzerland has continued to struggle finding the back of the net with a total of six goals in the tournament, with four of those coming against Czechia in their opening game of the tournament when they forged a comeback in the shootout. The standout for the Swiss team has been Alina Müller, who has scored three of their six goals, including the lone goal in their Quarterfinal match against Czechia. 

Well, this seems like an uneven battle, anything is possible and we’ve already seen Switzerland come together for a big performance in that comeback game, with the gold medal game on the line, it might just be the push Switzerland needs. For Canada the key to solidify their spot in the gold medal game is to continue leveraging their depth.