USA vs. Italy women's hockey predictions: Can Americans' heater continue?

[ASFN Admin]

The United States women's ice hockey team enters the quarterfinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics on an absolute tear.

Team USA cruised through the preliminary round, winning all four games by a combined score of 20-1. After allowing one goal to Czechia in a 5-1 win their Olympic opener on Thursday, Feb. 5, the Americans have shut out their next three opponents: Finland, Switzerland and Canada.

Standing in their way of a semifinal berth is host country, Italy. This will mark the first time ever that Team USA and Italy face off in international competition in women's hockey.

Here is how our staff sees Friday's quarterfinal playing out:

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."
• 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."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA-Italy predictions: Picks for quarterfinals at Winter Olympics

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