Vetter, Darwitz lead U.S. women to semis

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Not even a fine performance by Finland was enough to alter the U.S. hockey team's course toward Canada.

Jessie Vetter made 23 saves, Natalie Darwitz had a goal and two assists, and the U.S. women completed their undefeated run through the Olympics' preliminary round with a 6-0 victory over Finland Thursday.

After overwhelming runs by the United States and Canada, the North American powers are one win away from ensuring their long-anticipated meeting for a gold medal next week.

Molly Engstrom had a goal and an assist for the Americans, who outscored their first three opponents 31-1. Even a fairly strong performance by the highly regarded Finns couldn't generate a stumble by the Americans or Vetter, who stopped a penalty shot by Anne Helin in the closing minutes.

"Jessie was awesome," U.S. defenseman Caitlin Cahow said. "You know, it's what we've come to expect. We're anxious to get going. We've got one task in sight, and we think we are in pretty good position going forward."

With a four-goal first period, the Americans advanced to the semifinals against Sweden, which upset them in the same round four years ago in Turin. The Swedes won that meeting with a 37-save effort by goalie Kim Martin, who will face them again Monday.

Finland will take on the Canadians, who outscored their three preliminary opponents 41-2, in the other semifinal.

Women's hockey to stayThe president of hockey's international body says that despite lopsided games, the women's tournament will remain in future Olympics. International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel said the teams from Canada and the United States are "on another planet" and that the rest of the world needs time to catch up. Women's hockey made its Olympics debut in 1998.