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Morning Skate: U.S. Women Dominate, Olympic Quarterfinals Take Shape, and Tom Wilson Leaves a Mark
The American women’s hockey team came out firing and never let up, blanking Sweden 5-0 in a commanding semifinal performance. With that win, they’ve punched their ticket to the gold medal game-again.
This will mark the seventh Olympic final between the U.S. and Canada, a rivalry that has defined women’s hockey on the world stage for decades. These two powerhouses know each other well, and Thursday’s showdown is shaping up to be another classic.
On the men’s side, things are a little more up in the air-for now. The U.S., Canada, Slovakia, and Finland all earned first-round byes, so they’ll be watching closely as today’s games wrap up to see who they’ll be facing in the quarterfinals. The bracket’s about to get serious, and with elimination on the line, expect the intensity to ratchet up fast.
In other Olympic news, French defenseman Pierre Crinon has been suspended for the remainder of the tournament. The move comes after his heated run-in with Canada’s Tom Wilson at the end of their game on Sunday. The incident didn’t go unnoticed, and the disciplinary response was swift.
As for Wilson, his physical edge and fearless presence are nothing new to fans in D.C., but it seems his Olympic teammates-and even his coaches-are getting a firsthand look at what makes him such a force. Love him or hate him, Wilson plays with an edge that’s hard to ignore, and it’s clear that edge travels well, even on the international stage.
Back in Washington, the Capitals are using the Olympic break to reset and refocus. Head coach Spencer Carbery has dubbed it a “mini training camp” as the team gears up for the final stretch of the NHL season. With playoff positioning on the line, every rep counts.
Also in Caps news, practice goalie and emergency backup Parker Milner offered a behind-the-scenes look at life with the team. From his brief NHL debut to his current role with the club, Milner’s story is one of perseverance and passion. He’s been a steady presence in the background, and his perspective offers a unique glimpse into the rhythm of life on the fringe of the big leagues.
Whether it’s Olympic glory or NHL playoff pushes, there’s no shortage of storylines heating up this week. Stay locked in.