The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Olympic hockey as Canada and Team USA prepare to face off in the Gold Medal game on Sunday morning in Milan. Both teams secured their spots with semifinal victories, setting up a rematch that fans on both sides of the border have been eagerly anticipating.
Just days ago, the women's teams from these hockey powerhouses clashed in a nail-biting Gold Medal game, with Team USA edging out Canada 2-1 in overtime. Now, it's the men's turn to reignite this storied rivalry.
On the ice, four players from the Florida Panthers are vying for gold: Sam Reinhart, Brad Marchand, and Sam Bennett for Canada, and Matthew Tkachuk for the United States. Adding to the Florida connection, Panthers' GM Bill Zito and equipment manager Teddy Richards are part of Team USA's staff.
Sunday's matchup is a sequel to last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, where Canada claimed victory in overtime. Matthew Tkachuk summed up the excitement, saying, "It’s best on best.
This is the pinnacle of the sport. A rivalry as good as it gets."
In Friday's action, Canada staged a comeback against Finland, overcoming a 2-0 deficit. Sam Reinhart sparked the rally, and with goals from Shea Theodore and Nathan MacKinnon, Canada clinched a spot in the final. Finland, the 2022 Olympic champs, will now compete for bronze against Slovakia.
Team USA had a smoother path, dominating Slovakia from the outset and securing a 6-2 victory. Dylan Larkin opened the scoring early, and Tkachuk added his sixth assist of the tournament, setting the stage for the highly anticipated clash with Canada.
This game is more than just a battle for gold; it's a chance for the United States to capture its first men's hockey gold since the iconic 'Miracle on Ice' in 1980. Meanwhile, Canada is aiming for its fourth gold since NHL players began participating in the Olympics in 1998, having previously bested Team USA in 2002 and 2010.
Hockey fans, mark your calendars for Sunday at 8:10 a.m. (NBC/Peacock) as these two titans of the ice face off once more. This is a game no one will want to miss.