U.S. men rout Slovakia, will play Canada for hockey gold medal - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Kevin Baxter

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. men's hockey team secured a convincing 6-2 victory over Slovakia in their semifinal match on Friday, advancing to the gold medal game against Canada at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. This marks the first time since 1980 that the U.S. will face Canada in an Olympic final for hockey. The Americans' strong performance, highlighted by two goals from Jack Hughes and three assists from Zach Werenski, showcased their growing chemistry and confidence. With a chance to break Canada's dominance in the rivalry, which has seen Canada win six of the last seven Olympic finals against the U.S., the U.S. team is determined to make history. The U.S. men arrived at this stage after overcoming initial rustiness and building momentum through a series of strong performances. Their path to the final was bolstered by the women's team, who had already secured gold by defeating Canada in overtime earlier in the week. The men’s team, composed entirely of NHL players, demonstrated their potential with an average of over five goals per game during the preliminary rounds. Key contributors like Jack Eichel and Dylan Larkin also scored in the semifinal, contributing to the team's dominant second-period performance. The upcoming gold medal clash against Canada is highly anticipated, not only due to the intense rivalry but also because both teams feature top NHL talent. The U.S. hopes to capitalize on their momentum and chemistry, while Canada seeks to extend its historical dominance. With the stakes high and the world watching, this match promises to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams. For the U.S., it’s an opportunity to break the cycle of Canadian success in Olympic finals, adding renewed significance to their quest for gold. The outcome could redefine the narrative of this historic rivalry and leave a lasting legacy for both nations.

Verticals

newscalifornia

Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026