Usa Hockey sets up Canada gold-medal rematch after 6-2 semifinal win over Slovakia
usa hockey took a decisive step toward Olympic gold on Friday, overwhelming Slovakia 6-2 in the semifinals and earning a date with Canada in Sunday’s gold-medal game.
Hughes, Eichel and Tkachuk power 6-2 semifinal
Jack Hughes scored twice as the Americans built a comfortable margin in the semifinal, while Jack Eichel and Brady Tkachuk each finished with a goal and an assist in the 6-2 victory over Slovakia. The win followed a tense overtime defeat of Sweden on Wednesday and delivered a clearer path to the title match on Sunday.
Goaltending and game control
Connor Hellebuyck defended the net, allowing two goals as the Americans limited Slovakia’s chances; his performance helped the team move past an underdog opponent that had been one of the tournament’s surprises. With the 6-2 scoreline, the U. S. avoided the late drama of its previous game and will now prepare for Canada.
Usa Hockey heads to gold-medal showdown with Canada
Players and coaches framed the matchup with Canada as the benchmark. Quinn Hughes said, "You want to go through the best and right now that’s them. If we played them in a best-of-seven, it would probably go seven. On Sunday, it’s just going to be whoever is better on that day. " Teammate Dylan Larkin added, "It’s going to take that one performance, that one guy to step up, to have the game of his life. " Larkin later added, "It’s going to be a battle for the ages. " Those comments followed memories of the 4 Nations Face-Off, where Canada beat the Americans in a final an overtime goal, giving extra edge to the forthcoming rematch.
Freeski highlight and what’s next
On the slopes the same day, Alex Ferreira won gold in the men’s freeski halfpipe, his first Olympic gold after previously taking silver and bronze at past Games. Back on the ice, the immediate consequence of the 6-2 semifinal is clear: the Americans will meet Canada on Sunday for the Olympic gold medal, and the team shifts focus to game-day preparation and recovery ahead of that single, decisive matchup.
The next confirmed event is the men’s Olympic gold-medal game on Sunday, when the U. S. and Canada will settle the tournament’s final standing.
