On February 22, 1980, the United States pulled off a monumental upset in hockey history by defeating the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, New York. Just two days later, they clinched the gold medal.
That golden moment remains the last time the U.S. men's hockey team tasted such victory. For Team Canada, however, this is a familiar feeling.
Fast forward 16 years from Sidney Crosby's iconic golden goal in Vancouver, and the U.S. hasn't played for gold since. Back then, Jaccob Slavin hadn't yet been drafted by the Hurricanes, and Seth Jarvis was just eight years old. Both players have certainly come a long way since those days.
After a long drought without top-tier hockey, the 4 Nations Face-Off served as a warm-up for the main event we're eagerly anticipating on Sunday. Slavin impressed in the matchups against Canada, but it was Jarvis and Team Canada who had the last word, securing an overtime victory with a Connor McDavid goal.
The Clash for Gold: A Battle of Titans
Throughout the Winter Olympics, the U.S. and Canada have proven themselves as the top contenders, leaving little room for doubt. Both teams swept through their group games and clinched their quarterfinals in overtime. The real difference emerged in the semifinals-Canada mounted a comeback to edge out Finland, while the U.S. dominated Slovakia.
These teams lead the tournament in scoring, with Canada netting three more goals than the Americans. Special teams could be the deciding factor in this matchup.
Canada’s power play is a force to be reckoned with, converting at 43.8 percent. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been a brick wall on the penalty kill, denying all 15 power-play opportunities.
The goalie showdown features Jordan Binnington and Connor Hellebuyck, both familiar foes. They faced off in last February's 4 Nations championship, and their rivalry continued in the NHL when the Jets and Blues clashed in the playoffs, with Hellebuyck coming out on top.
Player Spotlight: Jarvis and Slavin
Seth Jarvis, after sitting out the opener, has been a consistent presence on the ice, matching his offensive output from the 4 Nations with an assist in the quarterfinals against Czechia. However, his ice time has been limited, averaging just 10 minutes per game.
Jaccob Slavin hasn’t needed to replicate his 4 Nations performance, thanks to the team's overall strength and the presence of Quinn Hughes. Still, Slavin has contributed with an assist in Milan, showcasing his value.
Key Players to Watch
Macklin Celebrini (CAN): Celebrini has been a revelation, leading the tournament with five goals and trailing only Connor McDavid in points. His dominance has been nothing short of spectacular.
Jack Hughes (USA): The Hughes brothers have been pivotal for Team USA, with Jack Hughes trailing only his brother Quinn in points. Jack has netted three goals, including two crucial ones against Slovakia, showcasing significant improvement since the 4 Nations.
Path to Gold
For Canada, victory hinges on their stars-McDavid, Celebrini, MacKinnon, and Makar-dominating the ice and dismantling the American defense. Binnington must deliver another stellar performance, and Canada’s lethal power play must capitalize on any U.S. penalties.
The United States needs its scoring depth to shine once more. While their top players have delivered, contributions from the entire roster are vital. Limiting Canada’s offensive power is crucial, and Hellebuyck must be at his absolute best to secure the win.