Canada and USA Set for Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Showdown on Sunday
Updated (3 articles)
Gold Medal Game Scheduled for Sunday at Milano Arena The men’s gold‑medal game will be played Sunday at 13:10 GMT in the unfinished Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, pitting Canada against the United States [1]. Canada seeks a historic tenth Olympic title, while the United States hopes to capture its first men’s gold since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” [1]. Both squads have assembled star‑filled line‑ups, with Canada fielding Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and teen phenom Macklin Celebrini, and the U.S. relying on the Tkachuk brothers, Jack Eichel and Quinn Hughes [1].
Canada Overcame 2‑Goal Deficit Without Crosby Canada rallied from a 2‑0 deficit to defeat Finland 3‑2 in the semifinal, scoring three unanswered goals in the final 7:42 of regulation and a power‑play winner [2][1]. Captain Sidney Crosby missed the game with a right‑knee injury, leaving Connor McDavid to wear the “C” and record two assists that extended his Olympic points record to 13 for an NHL player [2][1]. The comeback was driven by depth players such as Sam Reinhart, Shea Theodore, and 19‑year‑old Macklin Celebrini, who posted eight shots on goal, nearly matching Finland’s combined later‑period output [2].
USA Eyes First Men’s Gold Since 1980 The United States enters the final seeking its first men’s gold in 46 years, having last won in 1980 and never defeated Canada in an Olympic final since 1960 [1]. American forwards Alex Tkachuk and Trevor Tkachuk provide speed and physicality, while Jack Eichel contributes scoring depth and Quinn Hughes anchors the defense after his overtime heroics against Sweden [1]. The roster’s blend of veteran experience and youthful energy positions the U.S. as a credible challenger to Canada’s legacy [1].
Crosby’s Quarterfinal Injury Leaves Final Participation Uncertain Sidney Crosby exited Canada’s quarterfinal against Czechia after his right leg buckled from a hit by defenseman Radko Gudas, leaving his availability for the remainder of the tournament uncertain [3][1]. The injury followed an earlier unpenalized strike by Ondrej Palat that sent Crosby into the boards, prompting teammates to urge him to stay focused on recovery [3]. Coach Jon Cooper emphasized that the team must avoid making the final Crosby’s last Olympic appearance, while players such as Drew Doughty and Macklin Celebrini voiced hopes for his return [3][1].
Unfinished Arena and Political Spotlight Heighten Stakes Despite concerns about the unfinished arena, officials confirmed that ice quality meets Olympic standards, allowing the tournament to showcase the first full participation of NHL players since 2014 [1]. Political tension has risen, with President Donald Trump’s potential attendance described as creating a “political cauldron,” echoing the heated Four Nations match that erupted in fights earlier in 2025 [1]. These factors add external pressure to both teams as they prepare for the most competitive Olympic hockey final in recent memory [1].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Canada‑USA Men’s Ice Hockey Final Sets Up Historic Olympic Showdown: outlines the Sunday final at Milano Santagiulia, Canada’s quest for a tenth gold, USA’s first since 1980, player line‑ups, arena concerns, and political overtones including Trump’s possible presence .
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AP: Canada Overcomes 2‑Goal Deficit to Beat Finland and Reach Olympic Gold‑Medal Game: details Canada’s 3‑2 semifinal comeback, Crosby’s knee injury, McDavid’s points record, and the depth contributions that propelled the win .
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AP: Crosby exits Canada’s Olympic quarterfinal with leg injury; future participation uncertain: reports Crosby’s leg injury from a hit by Radko Gudas, the sequence of checks leading to it, his uncertain status for later games, and teammates’ reactions .
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Timeline
Feb 18, 2026 – Sidney Crosby exits Canada’s quarter‑final against Czechia after his right leg buckles from a hit by Radko Gudas; he does not return and his availability for the rest of the tournament remains uncertain [3]. Canada rallies, erasing a deficit and winning 2‑1 in overtime, inspired by Crosby’s “the game must go on” pep talk at intermission [3]. Teammates echo resolve: Drew Doughty says “the game must go on,” Macklin Celebrini asks fans for “good thoughts,” and Tom Wilson calls Crosby “the best in the world” [3].
Feb 20, 2026 (afternoon) – Canada overcomes a 2‑0 hole to beat Finland 3‑2 in the semifinal, with Sam Reinhart’s deflected shot, Shea Theodore’s blast and Nathan MacKinnon’s late power‑play goal delivering the win [2]. Sidney Crosby sits out with a knee injury, while Connor McDavid wears the “C,” adds two assists and sets an Olympic points record for an NHL player [2]. Nick Suzuki remarks “there was no panic,” McDavid notes a “sense of calm,” and Brad Marchand’s effort earns coach Jon Cooper’s praise [2].
Feb 20, 2026 (evening) – Organizers announce the gold‑medal game will pit Canada against the United States on Sunday, Feb 22, at 13:10 GMT in the unfinished Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena [1]. Canada chases a historic 10th men’s gold (last in 2014) and the U.S. seeks its first title since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” and its first win over Canada in a final since 1960 [1]. Commentator Seth Bennett calls Connor McDavid “the best player on the planet,” while noting the arena’s ice‑quality concerns have been resolved [1].
2025 – A Four Nations match between the United States and Canada erupts into three fights within the first nine seconds, heightening on‑ice tensions ahead of the Olympics [1].
2025 – President Donald Trump’s public remarks intensify political overtones between the U.S. and Canada, with Vice President JD Vance previously booed at the opening ceremony, and a potential Trump appearance poised to create a “political cauldron” at the final [1].
2014 – Canada last captures Olympic men’s hockey gold, while the United States last wins the title in 1980; the 1960 final remains the last Canada‑U.S. gold‑medal showdown [1].
2014‑2026 – The 2026 Games mark the first Olympics since 2014 to feature active NHL players, raising the competition level to “the highest level of hockey we have ever seen at an Olympics,” according to Seth Bennett [1].
Feb 22, 2026 – Canada and the United States meet in the gold‑medal game at 13:10 GMT; a possible appearance by President Trump would add a “political cauldron” to the historic showdown [1].