USA vs. Sweden Women's Hockey: TV, Live Stream Info and More for Olympics 2014
The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi have been as exciting as advertised, but the women’s hockey tournament will steal all the headlines as Team USA goes head-to-head with Team Sweden in the first semifinal matchup of the Games.
The Americans went 2-1 during group play. After beating Finland and Switzerland, the team lost to gold-medal favorite Canada in a tough match.
Sweden also went 2-1 in group play, beating both Japan and Germany before losing to Russia, but it was forced to play Finland in the quarterfinals. The Swedish team was able to pull out a hard-fought 4-2 victory.
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Now, Team USA and Team Sweden will go to battle, with a berth to the gold-medal game on the line. Here is all the vital viewing information for Monday’s marquee matchup.
Where: Shayba Arena, Sochi, Russia
When: Monday, Feb. 17, 7:30 a.m. ET
Watch: NBC Sports Network
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
Team USA’s Key to Victory: Jessie Vetter, Goaltender
Team USA has named veteran Jessie Vetter as the starting goaltender in Monday’s semifinal matchup with Team Sweden, and she will be the biggest difference when it comes to the team eventually winning or losing the game.
In 117:52 minutes of action through three games, Vetter has been steady in net for the Americans, stopping 42 of 46 shots—one goal should not have counted—and giving the team the consistency it desperately needed.
Team USA head coach Katey Stone told USA Today's Kevin Allen about her team’s focus and the strengths of Sweden:
"The main thing is for our kids to play their best hockey over the next two games individually and collectively. (Sweden) is strong. They play a great game through the neutral zone. They handle the puck well. They are patient, and their goaltender (Valentina Wallner) has done a good job.
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Led by the elite play of Vetter and her ability to remain confident in spite of allowing goals, the American team will keep the score close throughout the game defensively and eventually blow it open using their elite offensive abilities.
The success of Team USA starts and ends with Vetter as its backbone.
Team Sweden’s Key to Victory: Pernilla Winberg, Forward
There are several players on defense and two strong goaltenders who will be difference-makers in the semifinals, but the biggest impact player for Team Sweden will be offensive-minded forward Pernilla Winberg.
Through four games in the women’s tournament, Winberg has amassed an impressive 81:57 minutes of ice time, scored two crucial goals and added three assists. There have been several players on Sweden’s team who have added offensive prowess to the squad, but none have compared to the success of Winberg.
Winberg’s college teammate, Jenna McParland, showed her support for the Swedish star:
Her brightest moment in the 2014 Winter Olympics came in the must-win game against Finland on Saturday. With her team trailing 1-0 entering the third period, it was Winberg’s three assists that helped Team Sweden take home the 4-2 victory.
If Sweden wants a win against Team USA, Winberg must play her best game of the tournament.
Predicted Final Score: Team USA 5, Team Sweden 2
Update Medal Count
*All stats and information via NBCOlympics.com and Sochi2014.com.
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