US routs Slovakia to set up final showdown with Canada

Field Level Media|published: Fri 20th February, 18:08 2026

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics - Ice Hockey - Men's Play-offs Semifinals - United States vs Slovakia - Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy - February 20, 2026. Jack Hughes of United States celebrates scoring their third goal.

MILAN -- The United States made light work of Slovakia with a 6-2 victory on Friday to set up the eagerly awaited Olympic men's ice hockey final with Canada.

The U.S. was on cruise control heading into the final period, up 5-0 through Dylan Larkin, Tage Thompson, Jack Eichel and a double from Jack Hughes, before Brady Tkachuk scored between a pair of Slovakian consolation goals.

NHL players returned to the Games following a 12-year absence and expectations had been high that the North American rivals would reap the benefits and face off in the decider.

The U.S. obliged with ease after Canada's tense 3-2 semifinal win over defending champions Finland, and the sides will meet in Sunday's gold-medal decider at Santagiulia Arena.

Slovakia will take on Finland in Saturday's bronze-medal game at the same venue.

--Reuters, special to Field Level Media

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