USA's Abbey Murphy at center of chippy Olympic hockey win vs. Italy - ESPN

ESPN

by Emily Kaplan

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Abbey Murphy, the rising star of the USA women's hockey team, took center stage in a physical 6-0 victory over Italy, propelling the Americans to their seventh consecutive Olympic semifinal. Known for her tenacity, Murphy was involved in multiple penalties and scrums, including an incident where she appeared to throw punches after a controversial play late in the second period. Despite the chaos, Murphy's teammates praised her defensive instincts and willingness to protect her comrades on the ice. Her actions, though fiery, epitomized the team's determination to uphold their high standards and advance in the tournament. The game was marked by intense physicality and emotional moments. After Italy's goalkeeper Gabriella Durante made a save, a scrum broke out near the net, leading to a series of penalties. Murphy, smiling as she headed to the penalty box, became a focal point of the action. Teammate Tessa Jane

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/14/2026