Team USA Impresses With High-Powered Win Over Slovakia to Earn Spot in Olympic Hockey Final Against Canada in Milan

Friday night in Milan was a showcase of American firepower as Team USA crushed Slovakia 6-2 in the Olympic men’s hockey semifinals, setting up a highly anticipated gold medal clash with Canada on Sunday.

After the American women’s dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada just a day earlier, the men’s team now has a shot at their first Olympic gold since the legendary Miracle On Ice of 1980.

This year, however, there’s no USSR to topple—just another stacked roster of NHL stars across the pond.

Both Canada and the United States are sending teams full of seasoned professionals, each with Stanley Cup experience and international accolades.

Unlike Canada, which had to claw back from behind against Finland to reach the final, the U.S. came out firing on all cylinders.

Larkin, Thompson, and Eichel Shine Early

The American squad didn’t waste any time asserting themselves.

Dylan Larkin opened the scoring, assisted by Zach Werenski and Tage Thompson, giving the U.S. a 1-0 lead early.

Then Thompson himself blasted a power-play one-timer from Jack Eichel, beating Slovakian goalie Samuel Hlavaj with only 41 seconds left in the first period.

By the end of the opening frame, the Americans had already made a statement.

The second period only amplified the dominance.

Jack Hughes netted his first goal, assisted by Werenski, and just 20 seconds later, Eichel struck again, this time set up by the Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew.

Hughes capped off the period with his second goal, sending the crowd into celebration and giving his proud parents plenty to cheer about.

Interestingly, Hughes’ brother Quinn had previously scored the overtime game-winner against Sweden, keeping the family’s Olympic story alive.

Slovakia Strikes Back Late, But Hellebuyck Holds Firm

Despite the lopsided score, Slovakia did make some noise in the third period.

Montreal Canadiens star Juraj Slafkovsky and San Jose Sharks’ Pavol Regenda each found the net, but American goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who made 22 saves, held steady and looks likely to start again on Sunday.

The U.S. bench remained composed, showing the mental toughness that could prove vital against a battle-hardened Canadian squad.

Tempers Flare in Third Period

The game wasn’t all smooth sailing, as tensions boiled over in a rare international on-ice confrontation.

Erik Cernak delivered a punch to Matthew Tkachuk during a shoving match, and both players were ejected after officials quickly intervened.

Such clashes are unusual in Olympic hockey, highlighting the intense emotions on the ice.

Canada’s Comeback Against Finland

Canada’s path to Sunday’s final was a little rockier.

The favorites didn’t start fast against Finland but came alive when it mattered.

Sam Reinhart redirected a Cale Maker slap shot in the second period, and Shea Theodore tied it up in the third.

Nathan MacKinnon sealed the win with a dramatic goal in the final 36 seconds.

“There wasn’t really any panic,” Canadian center Nick Suzuki said. “We were going to get our chances eventually.”

One key uncertainty remains: Captain Sidney Crosby, sidelined with a lower-body injury, might return.

Coach Jon Cooper is cautiously optimistic, saying, “We have 48 hours to decide that, but he’s got a better chance of playing in the gold medal game than he had tonight.”

Crosby’s presence could be a game-changer given his storied history against Team USA.

Off-Ice Drama: Trump and U.S. Officials in Milan

The game also drew political attention.

President Donald Trump has reportedly considered attending the gold medal matchup amid ongoing trade tensions with Canada.

Italian media has already started planning security contingencies in case he shows up.

Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel, representing the Trump administration at Friday’s game, faced scrutiny for the potential $75,000 taxpayer cost of his international flight.

The Bureau maintained that Patel’s trip was official business, not personal travel.

What’s Next?

All eyes are now on Sunday’s showdown in Milan, a rematch of two rivals who last clashed in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off just a year ago.

Fans can expect a fierce, fast-paced contest with star-studded lineups on both sides.

Will Team USA recapture the glory of the Miracle On Ice, or will Canada continue its comeback streak and possibly feature Sidney Crosby for a storybook finish?

Summary

Team USA demolished Slovakia 6-2 to reach the Olympic men’s hockey final against Canada, building on an American women’s gold the day before.

With NHL stars like Larkin, Eichel, and the Tkachuk brothers firing on all cylinders, the U.S. is poised for a historic gold medal run.

Canada edged Finland in dramatic fashion, and the potential return of Sidney Crosby adds a suspenseful twist.

Off the ice, political drama looms with Trump and top U.S. officials potentially attending, adding another layer to this high-stakes international showdown.