ARLINGTON, V.A. - As the anticipation builds for the Olympic gold medal clash between Team Canada and Team USA, the Washington Capitals find themselves in a unique position. With the puck set to drop at 8:10 a.m. in Milan Cortina, the Capitals’ practice schedule might just take a backseat to this monumental showdown.
Pierre-Luc Dubois humorously speculated that if the Capitals were too strict with their 10:30 a.m. practice start, a few players might conveniently feel under the weather. After all, two of their own, Tom Wilson and Logan Thompson, are vying for their first Olympic gold.
The Capitals have already enjoyed one Canada-USA gold medal matchup, having watched the women’s final together. The buzz and energy from that game still linger, and Leonard captures the sentiment perfectly: "Tomorrow's the best... definitely easy to wake up for."
The team plans to have the game broadcast throughout their facility, with players gathering in the lounge to catch the action. However, there’s a mix of predictions and allegiances in the room.
Some players, like Ryan Leonard and Charlie Lindgren, find themselves torn between rooting for their teammates and supporting their home country of the USA. Meanwhile, Dylan Strome is firmly in Canada’s corner, hoping his friend Connor McDavid nets the game-winner.
Brandon Duhaime, who holds dual citizenship, is taking a more lighthearted approach, hoping for a great game and maybe a little souvenir from Italy courtesy of his teammates.
The consensus among the team is clear: this game is set to be legendary. Lindgren summed up the excitement by saying, "I honestly think it has the potential to be the best hockey game of all time. The U.S. is probably fired up after last year’s 4 Nations, and with 40 of the best players on the ice, it’s going to be extremely fun to watch."
As the Capitals prepare to cheer on their teammates, one thing is certain: this Olympic final is more than just a game-it's a moment that will be etched in hockey history.