USA shuts out Sweden to reach gold medal game

MILAN — Aerin Frankel stopped all 11 shots she faced as the United States defeated Sweden 5-0 on Monday to advance to the gold-medal game at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

The Americans established control early, outshooting the Swedes 45-11 throughout the contest. Hilary Knight and Alex Carpenter each scored in the first period to give the U.S. a 2-0 lead, while Taylor Heise added a power-play goal in the second to extend the advantage.

Megan Keller and Hayley Scamurra capped the scoring in the third period. The victory marked the fifth consecutive shutout for the United States, which has outscored its opponents 31-1 through six games in the tournament.

With the win, the United States secures a spot in the Olympic final for the fifth straight time. They will face Canada on Thursday for the gold medal.