3 Takeaways From USA’s 5-0 Shutout Win Over Switzerland at the Women’s Olympics Tournament – The Hockey Writers – Olympics

On Monday, Feb. 9, USA and Switzerland faced off for both teams’ third game of the 2026 Winter Olympics Tournament. Heading into this game, Switzerland had one win and one loss, while the USA had yet to drop a game. 

Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Women’s Hockey Tournament

Early in the first period of this game, the USA scored first. After 40 minutes, they were up by two goals. In the final frame, the USA extended its lead by three more goals, shutting out Switzerland 5-0.

USA Had a Full Team Effort 

Team USA scored five goals in this game, each by a different goalscorer. Seven different players put their names on the score sheet. 

Haley Winn opened the scoring just six minutes in to earn her first Olympic goal. None other than Hilary Knight recorded the secondary assist on this goal, while Caroline Harvey recorded the primary. 

It took almost a full 30 minutes of play, but the US extended its lead, thanks to a goal by Joy Dunne. This was an unassisted goal and her second of the tournament. 

Just a minute into the third period, Hannah Bilka tripled the USA’s lead with assists from Taylor Heise and Harvey. This goal marked Bilka’s first of the tournament, making her the second player in this game to score her first Olympic goal. 

Just five minutes after Bilka’s goal, Alex Carpenter scored, with assists from Knight and Dunne. A minute and eight seconds later, Harvey scored with assists from Carpenter and Dunne. 

Knight is still looking for her 15th Olympic goal to pass the record for the most goals in the women’s ice hockey tournament, but her two assists in this game are still not something to disregard. Carpenter recorded a multi-point game thanks to a goal and an assist, and both Harvey and Dunne recorded a three-point game with a goal and two assists each. 

Both first-time goalscorers, Bilka and Winn, are making their Olympic debuts in the 2026 Olympics. Although it took three games for them to score, their offensive power is showing through and detailing why they were great selections for this year’s USA team. 

Second Shutout for USA 

The USA has not dropped a game in the 2026 Olympics ice hockey tournament, and they have now recorded their second straight shutout. In net for the USA in their first shutout was Aerin Frankel. In this game, it was Gwyneth Philips. However, she was taken out of the net with just 1:48 left on the clock, and Ava McNaughton entered the crease. Philips still stopped 20 of Switzerland’s 21 shots, while McNaughton stopped the final one. It was Philips who was credited with the shutout even though she didn’t finish out the game. 

This is Philips’ first time representing her home country at the Olympics and her first Olympic performance. To say this was a strong performance for her is an understatement. 

Although Philips is an American-born goaltender, she currently plays in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) for the Ottawa Charge. This is her first season as Ottawa’s starting goaltender, as she played as a tandem alongside Canadian goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer. Last season, Philips recorded two shutouts, but she has yet to record her first this season. With her performance in this Olympic tournament game, this shutout win should increase Philips’ confidence when she returns to the PWHL. 

Switzerland Was Outplayed 

Just like in the last of the USA’s two matches, they outplayed their opponent. This was the closest with shots though, with the USA taking 50 shots while Switzerland took 21; they were the closest opponent to recording half of the USA’s shots. 

At the end of the day, the USA outplayed Switzerland. They had the stronger command of the puck and capitalized the most on their scoring chances, evidenced by the score. They got pucks in deep and commanded the ice, which ultimately led to their current undefeated status. 

Both Teams Back in Action on Tuesday 

Both the USA and Switzerland will play again on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The USA will face off against Canada at 2:10 PM ET. Switzerland will take on Finland at 3:10 PM ET. This will be both teams’ last game in the qualifier round.