Becky Sullivan

It was the sixth win in a row for the Americans, who have outscored their opponents 31-1 in the Olympics so far.

That run has included a 5-0 win over Canada, who they'll face again in Thursday's gold medal match.

Forward Taylor Heise says the Americans won't take a win for granted.

A gold medal would be the third for the U.S.

in Olympic women's ice hockey.

Canada has won five.

Becky Sullivan, NPR News, Milan.

Team USA came into the Olympics with eyes on a gold medal.

It would be just the third ever for the Americans and the first since the Miracle on Ice team back in 1980.

In the group stage, they made quick work of opponents Latvia, Denmark and Germany, outscoring them 16-5 overall.

This is the first Olympics in 12 years that players from the NHL have been able to participate.

Team USA captain Austin Matthews had two goals against Germany and three in the Olympics overall so far.

Brady Kachuk has a pair of goals and plenty of big hits.

And goaltender Connor Hellebook, who was last year's NHL MVP, has given up just two goals in two games.

The U.S.

now gets to skip straight to the quarterfinals.

On Wednesday, they'll face the winner of Sweden versus Latvia.

Sweden is the favorite in that game.

Becky Sullivan, NPR News, Milan.

Team USA came into the Olympics with eyes on a gold medal.