Mens Hockey Olympics: Team USA beats Slovakia 6–2 to reach gold-medal game vs. Canada
The United States advanced to the gold-medal game at the mens hockey olympics with a 6–2 semifinal victory over Slovakia on Friday afternoon at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, setting up a championship matchup with Canada on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8: 10 a. m.
Mens Hockey Olympics: USA advances with 6–2 semifinal win
Team USA finished the semifinal 6–2, with Jack Hughes scoring twice on four shots and posting a team-high +2 while taking no penalties, lifting the Americans past Slovakia on Friday afternoon in Milan.
Hellebuyck strong; Hughes brothers deliver in different moments
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 of 24 shots in the semifinal, adding to his tournament-leading save percentage and goals-against average and bringing his total to five goals allowed on 95 shots across the Games. Quinn Hughes had provided the overtime winner that sent the Americans to the semifinals against Sweden, and Jack Hughes supplied the finishing touch against Slovakia in Milan.
Semifinal schedule and medal-round timing
The semifinal slate Friday also included Canada vs. Finland at 10: 40 a. m., followed by the United States vs. Slovakia at 3: 10 p. m., both at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. The bronze-medal game is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2: 40 p. m., and the gold-medal game is set for Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8: 10 a. m.
U. S. dominance through the tournament and what’s next
Through five games at the mens hockey olympics, the United States entered the final with a perfect 5–0 record and a combined 24–8 scoring margin across matchups with Latvia, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Slovakia. Canada remained unbeaten as well, outscoring opponents 27–8, and now awaits Team USA in the gold-medal game on Sunday morning in Milan.
Team USA will face Team Canada for the gold on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8: 10 a. m. at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena; the bronze-medal game will be played Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2: 40 p. m.
