Team USA Cruises Past Slovakia, Sets Up Mens Hockey Olympics Final vs. Canada
In the mens hockey olympics, the United States defeated Slovakia 6–2 on Friday afternoon in Milan to reach the gold medal game, and will meet Canada on Sunday morning in a winner-take-all contest for Olympic gold.
Team USA’s semifinal victory came at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, where Jack Hughes scored twice and goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves on 24 shots over three periods. The win pushed the Americans farther into the medal rounds and set the field for the gold medal game scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8: 10 a. m. ET.
Mens Hockey Olympics: USA 6–2 Slovakia in Milan
Jack Hughes finished the game with two goals on four shots and a team-high +2 plus-minus while taking no penalties, and his performance provided the scoring edge in the semifinal. Slovakia added two third-period goals from Juraj Slafkovsky and Pavol Regenda, but the late pushes were not enough to erase the deficit created earlier in the game.
Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 of 24 shot attempts in the semifinal, extending his strong tournament numbers; across the Games he has allowed five goals on 95 shots and continues to lead in save metrics. The 6–2 scoreline kept the United States unbeaten through five games and maintained its scoring margin across the tournament.
From Quinn Hughes’ overtime winner to a Canada final
The semifinal followed a dramatic quarterfinal in which Quinn Hughes scored the overtime goal that sent the Americans into the knockout round, a 2–1 victory over Sweden at the same Milan arena. That winning sequence — an overtime clincher earlier in the week and a decisive 6–2 semifinal — leaves Team USA matched up with a Canada squad that also remains unbeaten in the tournament.
Through the tournament, Team USA is 5–0 and has outscored opponents 24–8 across games in Latvia, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Slovakia; Canada enters the final undefeated as well and has outscored opponents 27–8. The tournament’s bronze medal game is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2: 40 p. m. ET.
What’s next is clear: Team USA will play Team Canada in the gold medal game on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8: 10 a. m. ET at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. The winner of that matchup will take the Olympic title; the loser will receive silver.
