USA vs. Canada: Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Showdown Awaits After Semifinal Triumphs
The stage is set for the final matches of the Olympic men's hockey tournament. Team USA will face Canada in the gold medal game after both secured victories in their respective semifinals. Slovakia and Finland will compete for bronze, keeping hopes alive for Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Erik Černák and his team.
Team USA advanced to the final with a convincing 6-2 win over Slovakia in the semifinals. Forward Jake Guentzel, also of the Tampa Bay Lightning, contributed with 14:45 of ice time and three shots on goal. His performance ensures he will leave with at least a silver medal.
Canada's path to the final was tighter. They edged out Finland 3-2 in a dramatic finish, with Nathan MacKinnon scoring the winning goal in the last minute. Brandon Hagel, another Lightning player, logged 7:28 of ice time and recorded one shot on goal. Both Hagel and Lightning coach Jon Cooper are part of the Canadian roster.
The bronze medal game between Slovakia and Finland will take place on Saturday at 2:40 PM. The gold medal match follows on Sunday at 8:10 AM, where Team USA and Canada will battle for the top prize.
Team USA's lineup includes stars like Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes, and Quinn Hughes, alongside Guentzel. Canada counters with Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon, as well as Hagel.
The tournament will conclude with two high-stakes matches. Slovakia and Finland will first contest the bronze on Saturday. The following day, Team USA and Canada will meet for gold, deciding the champion of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
