USA Defeats Slovakia 6-2, Secures Spot in Olympic Gold‑Medal Final Against Canada
Updated (2 articles)
Semifinal Victory Locks USA Into Gold‑Medal Match On February 20, 2026, the United States beat Slovakia 6‑2 in Milan’s men’s hockey semifinal, advancing to face Canada for the Olympic title [1][2]. Dylan Larkin opened scoring at 4:00, followed by Tage Thompson’s power‑play goal, two strikes from Jack Hughes, a tally by Jack Eichel and a late goal from Brady Tkachuk [1][2]. Slovakia’s goals came from Juraj Slafkovsky and Pavol Regenda [2]. The Americans outshot the Slovaks 39‑24, dominating the first two periods [1][2].
U.S. Maintains Perfect Penalty Kill Throughout Tournament The United States recorded a flawless 12‑for‑12 penalty‑kill record, nullifying every Slovak power‑play opportunity despite early penalties on Charlie McAvoy and Zach Werenski [1][2]. No power‑play goals were allowed, preserving the shutout of special‑team chances [1][2]. This efficiency contributed directly to the 6‑2 margin [2].
Canada Secures Opposite Final Slot by Defeating Finland Earlier on February 20, Canada defeated Finland 3‑2, earning the other berth in the gold‑medal game and setting up a USA‑Canada showdown [1][2]. The win marked the first Olympics since 2014 in which NHL players participated [1][2].
Key Players and Goaltending Shape USA’s Path Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck allowed only two late goals, anchoring the U.S. defensive effort [2]. Tage Thompson sat out the third period as a precaution, though his earlier contributions helped build the lead [2]. The combined performances of Larkin, Hughes, Eichel and Tkachuk underscored the depth of the American roster [1][2].
Sources
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1.
WBNS: USA Beats Slovakia 6-2, Advances to Olympic Gold Medal Game vs Canada: Reports the 6‑2 semifinal win, perfect penalty kill, shot dominance, and Canada’s 3‑2 victory over Finland .
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King5: USA Men’s Hockey Beats Slovakia 6‑2, Secures Olympic Gold‑Medal Spot: Highlights the same win, adds details on Hellebuyck’s goaltending and Thompson’s precautionary benching, plus the Canada‑Finland result .
Timeline
2014 – The NHL last permits its players to compete in the Winter Olympics, a practice that ends after the Sochi Games, setting a 12‑year hiatus for NHL participation in Olympic hockey [1].
2026 – The Milan‑Cortina Games become the first Winter Olympics since 2014 to feature NHL players, raising the overall talent pool and stakes for the hockey tournaments [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – Canada defeats Finland 3‑2, securing the second spot in the gold‑medal final and marking the first Olympic semifinal featuring two NHL‑laden squads since the NHL’s return [1][2].
Feb 20, 2026 – The United States beats Slovakia 6‑2 in the men’s semifinal in Milan, advancing to the gold‑medal game against Canada; goals come from Dylan Larkin, Tage Thompson, Jack Hughes (twice), Jack Eichel and Brady Tkachuk, while Slovakia scores via Juraj Slafkovsky and Pavol Regenda [1][2].
Feb 20, 2026 – The U.S. preserves a perfect 12‑for‑12 penalty‑kill record throughout the tournament, neutralizing every Slovak power play despite early infractions on Charlie McAvoy and Zach Werenski [1][2].
Feb 20, 2026 – America dominates possession, outshooting Slovakia 39‑24 overall and posting a 26‑13 second‑period advantage, underscoring its offensive control from start to finish [1][2].
Feb 20, 2026 – Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck allows only two late goals, and forward Tage Thompson sits out the third period as a precaution, highlighting the depth and management of the U.S. roster [2].
Feb 20, 2026 – The gold‑medal final is slated for later in the Milan‑Cortina Games, where the United States will meet Canada to contest the Olympic hockey title [1][2].