Sports

USA women’s hockey live updates: Laila Edwards, Hilary Knight face Italy

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

MILAN — The U.S. women’s hockey team cruised through the preliminary round with a perfect 4-0 record and now enter the knockout rounds with a quarterfinal matchup against Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Americans are coming off a 5-0 victory over Canada, marking the first time the reigning champion Canadians have been shut out in the Olympics. Rookie defender Laila Edwards made history during the win by becoming the first Black woman to score a goal for the U.S. national team.

American captain Hilary Knight is closing in on some history of her own. Knight is one goal and one point away from becoming the U.S all-time Olympic career leader in both categories in her fifth and final Games.

Here’s everything you need to know about Friday’s matchup:

Watch Winter Olympics on Peacock

What time is USA women’s hockey vs. Italy today?

Date: Friday, Feb. 13
Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
Location: Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena

Puck drop between the U.S. women’s hockey team and Switzerland is set for 3:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 13 from Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milan.

Where to watch US women’s hockey vs. Italy at Olympics

TV channel: USA Network
Streaming options: NBCOlympics.com | NBC Olympic App | Peacock

USA Network will broadcast Friday’s U.S. women’s hockey quarterfinal matchup against Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Streaming options for the game include NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Olympic App (with a TV login).

You can also stream the game on Peacock, NBC’s subscription streaming service.

USA women’s hockey roster for 2026 Winter Olympics

Here is the full U.S. women’s hockey roster for the Milano Cortina Olympics:

Forwards: Kirsten Simms; Kelly Pannek; Grace Zumwinkle; Hayley Scamurra; Britta Curl-Salemme; Hilary Knight; Tessa Janecke; Hannah Bilka; Joy Dunne; Alex Carpenter; Kendall Coyne Schofield; Taylor Heise; Abbey Murphy.
Goaltenders: Ava McNaughton; Aerin Frankel; Gwyneth Philips.
Defenders: Lee Stecklein; Cayla Barnes; Caroline Harvey; Megan Keller; Rory Guilday; Haley Winn; Laila Edwards.

USA’s lines vs Italy

The USA will stick with the same top two lines as in the Canada game. Hannah Bilka was moved to the second line for that game and scored two goals.

Hilary Knight tied for two U.S. records

Hilary Knight enters the game tied for the U.S. Olympic record for career goals and points. Her 14 goals are tied with Natalie Darwitz and Katie King. Her 32 points are tied with Jenny Potter.

USA vs Italy women’s hockey predictions

Mike Brehm: USA 7, Italy 0. ‘The Americans have five goals in each game in the tougher Group A. Italy is not as strong as those teams.’
Jace Evans: USA 6, Italy 1. ‘The Americans have been rolling at these Olympics and they’ll keep it up here.’
Cydney Henderson: USA 4, Italy 1. ‘Five appears to be the lucky number, but I’m going to go 4-1. Italy will feed off the home crowd and keep it close before the Americans open it up.’
Helene St James: USA 7, Italy 1. ‘The American women are a dominant, seemingly unstoppable force. Host Italy’s biggest asset will be all the home country fans – they’ve provided a great atmosphere at every hockey venue. Should help boost the Italians as the U.S. women look poised to rout.’

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fastDownload for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY