Mens Hockey Olympics: USA Beats Slovakia 6–2, Advances to Gold Game vs Canada
The United States reached the gold medal game at the mens hockey olympics after a 6–2 semifinal victory over Slovakia on Friday afternoon. The win sets up a gold-medal matchup against Canada on Sunday morning; the final is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8: 10 a. m. ET.
Mens Hockey Olympics: Semifinal result
Team USA scored six goals in the semifinal to dispatch Slovakia 6–2, advancing to the final with a decisive performance in Milan’s knockout round. The game followed the United States’ dramatic overtime quarterfinal win that sent them into the semifinal, and the semifinal was held on Friday, Feb. 20 at 3: 10 p. m. ET.
How USA reached the final
Key offensive and goaltending contributions defined the victory. One player finished with two goals on four shots and a team-high +2 plus-minus while avoiding penalties. In goal, the United States netminder stopped 22 of 24 shots in the semifinal; he has allowed just five goals on 95 shots throughout the Games, maintaining strong tournament numbers. Across earlier rounds, the U. S. squad had been dominant in group and knockout play, entering the semifinal stretch with an unbeaten run and a substantial goal differential in prior matches.
What's next for both teams
The winner of Sunday’s gold-medal game will claim men’s hockey supremacy at the tournament. Canada, which has also remained unbeaten through its run and has outscored opponents by a wide margin, will meet the U. S. in the final. The medal-round schedule for the remainder of the tournament is set: the bronze medal game will be played Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2: 40 p. m. ET, followed by the gold medal game on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8: 10 a. m. ET.
At the mens hockey olympics stage, observable indicators point to a high-stakes final between two teams that have combined dominant offense with reliable goaltending. If goaltending numbers remain at current levels and either side sustains its scoring pace, the gold game will likely be decided by special teams execution and timely secondary scoring. Unclear at this time are lineup decisions and any late adjustments for the final; those items will shape tactical matchups leading into Sunday’s scheduled start.
Key takeaways: strong goaltending, a multi-goal performance from a leading forward, and a scheduled gold-medal final on Sunday morning at 8: 10 a. m. ET make the closing stretch a must-watch phase of the tournament.
