Alex Carpenter and Kacey Bellamy scored just 66 seconds apart in the first period, helping the US women cruise to victory over a Sweden squad that had no illusions about the strength of their opponent.

"It was a high-paced match. They came out flying and we had a number of tough penalties that allowed them to score," Sweden captain Jenni Asserholt told TV3 after the first period.

The Americans dominated the semi-final contest from the opening faceoff as they held a whopping 26-1 shot advantage in the first period as Sweden didn't get their first shot on the US goal until just under 14 minutes into the contest.

Amanda Kessel, Megan Bozek, Brianna Decker and Monique Lamoureaux also scored for the Americans, who have now beat Sweden 12 out of the last 13 times they have faced each other in major international games.

Sweden finally notched a goal late in the third period when Anna Borgqvist put a shot past US goalie Jessie Vetter to make the score 5-1. But the US's Decker answered just four minutes later.

Vetter made just eight saves for the USA while Swedish goaltenders Valentina Wallner and Kim Martin Hasson faced 70 shots between them.

Valentina was especially busy as the United States peppered her with 47 shots in 32:21 minutes of playing time.

"They showed they are one of the best teams in the world," said Swedish coach Niclas Högberg.

Sweden's Pernilla Winberg tried to shift focus away from the US loss an ahead to Sweden's upcoming bronze medal match.

"We have the most important match for a medal left now, so we just have to give 100 percent there," she told the Expressen newspaper.

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