Milan Showdown: U.S. vs. Canada for Olympic Gold
Zach Werenski and his U.S. teammates have been laser-focused, knowing a gold-medal clash with Canada was on the horizon. Both teams went unbeaten in group play, setting the stage for the ultimate North American rivalry. After a commanding 6-2 victory over Slovakia in the semifinals, the highly anticipated U.S.-Canada showdown is set for Sunday.
“It’s the matchup everyone wanted,” Werenski said, reflecting on his impressive three-assist night against Slovakia. “Now that it’s here, we can shift our focus to Canada.”
These two powerhouses, the top seeds in the tournament, are no strangers to each other. Just last year, they delivered two unforgettable battles at the 4 Nations Faceoff. The NHL-run event marked the return of top-tier international hockey, with their epic final ending in a Canadian overtime win, only fueling the anticipation for this Olympic encounter.
Matt Boldy summed it up perfectly: “It’s the final we wanted and the team we wanted to play. It’s exciting for the fans and for hockey.”
Brady Tkachuk, who was part of the intense 4 Nations clashes, added, “We’ll be looking forward to this one. You guys have been talking about it for a while. Now you get to enjoy it.”
Canada secured their spot by rallying past Finland, while the U.S. had a smoother path against Slovakia, who made an admirable run but couldn’t match the Americans. Slovakia will now face Finland for bronze, aiming for just their second hockey medal after a third-place finish in Beijing 2022.
The U.S. team had a tougher time in the quarterfinals against Sweden, needing overtime to advance. But against Slovakia, goals from Dylan Larkin, Tage Thompson, Jack Hughes, and Jack Eichel overwhelmed their opponents, forcing a goalie change midway through the second period.
Thompson, a newcomer to this level of play, left the game after blocking a shot. Coach Mike Sullivan reassured fans, saying Thompson was held out as a precaution and is expected to be ready for the final.
Jack Hughes notched his second goal just after a power play, and Brady Tkachuk added a breakaway goal to seal the deal. “That was definitely one of our strongest games,” said Quinn Hughes.
“We played really well. A little bit looser in the third, but it’s a 5-0 game, and you want to get out safe and feel good for the next game.”
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been a rock for the U.S., justifying Sullivan’s choice to start him over Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman. The Americans last reached the final in 2010, losing to Canada in overtime on Sidney Crosby’s legendary golden goal. Crosby’s participation this time is uncertain due to an injury sustained in the quarterfinals.
The U.S. hasn’t captured gold since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. Werenski and his teammates are driven by that legacy.
“It definitely motivates us,” Werenski said. “We’re well aware of it.
I don’t think it’s pressure. It’s fun.
It’s exciting.”
As the stage is set for this epic clash, hockey fans around the world are in for a treat. This isn’t just a game; it’s a celebration of the sport at its highest level.