Image: from Nasty Knuckles X @NastyKnuckles
By Open Chronicle Staff | United States
MILAN — The dream of a North American showdown for Olympic gold has become a reality. Team USA put on a clinical display of power and precision on Friday night at the Santagiulia Arena, dismantling Slovakia 6-2 to secure their spot in the men’s ice hockey final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
The victory sets the stage for a high-stakes rematch against top-seeded Canada on Sunday, marking the most anticipated Olympic hockey final in over a decade. While Canada had to fight back from a two-goal deficit earlier in the day to edge out Finland, the Americans left no doubt about their dominance, leading from the opening minutes and never looking back.
Hughes and Larkin Lead the Charge
The American offense found its rhythm early. Dylan Larkin opened the scoring at the 4:19 mark of the first period, a goal that set a relentless pace for the evening. However, it was the second period that truly broke the game open. Jack Hughes delivered a highlight-reel performance, netting two goals, one a dazzling individual effort that weaved through the Slovakian defense.
By the second intermission, the scoreboard read 5-0. Jack Eichel, Tage Thompson, and Brady Tkachuk each contributed goals, overwhelming a Slovakian team that had been the “Cinderella story” of the tournament after knocking out Germany in the quarterfinals.
🇺🇸🔥 WATCH: All 6 GOALS as Team USA CRUSHES Slovakia 6-2!
Jack Hughes with 2 beauties, Larkin, Thompson, Eichel & Tkachuk lighting the lamp.
USA advances to GOLD MEDAL GAME vs Canada Sunday! First shot at hockey gold since 1980! 🏒🥇 pic.twitter.com/a5V3tmjr0h
— Alec Lace (@AlecLace) February 20, 2026
Hellebuyck Stands Tall
While the offense grabbed the headlines, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck continued his stellar Olympic campaign. Hellebuyck made 22 saves, maintaining a shutout deep into the third period. Though Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovsky and Pavol Regenda managed to find the net late in the game, the American victory was already sealed.
“This team is hitting its stride at exactly the right moment,” said U.S. coach Mike Sullivan. “After a close call against Sweden in the quarters, we wanted to come out tonight and dictate the play. Now, all eyes are on Sunday.”
A Rivalry Renewed
The upcoming gold medal game against Canada carries immense historical weight. The United States has not stood atop the Olympic podium since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. Standing in their way is a Canadian squad that has won each of the last two Olympics involving NHL players (2010 and 2014).
Sunday’s final is expected to draw a record global audience, as the best players in the world return to the Olympic stage. With the American women’s team already securing gold in a thrilling overtime win against Canada just yesterday, the pressure is on the men to complete the sweep.