Team USA Blows Past Slovakia To Advance To Olympic Gold-Medal Game
Feb 20, 2026, 3:59 PM | Updated: 4:01 pm
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote netcam.) Connor Hellebuyck #37 and Jake Sanderson #85 of Team United States give up a goal scored by Pavol Regenda #84 (not pictured) of Team Slovakia in the third period during the Men's Semifinals Playoff match between the United States and Slovakia on day fourteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
MILAN, Italy — Team USA put on a show in the semifinals against Slovakia, scoring six goals to advance to the gold-medal game against Canada this weekend.
Five different Americans found the back of the net, headlined by Jack Hughes, whose two second-period goals blew the game open.
The victory keeps the golden dream alive, but standing in their way are the neighbors to the north—a Canadian squad that holds a perfect 2-0 record against the U.S. in Olympic gold-medal games.
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First Period
With a gold-medal game berth on the line, Team USA had about as good a start as you could ask for.
Less than five minutes after the opening puck drop, Dylan Larkin turned defense into offense to give the U.S. an early advantage.
It was Larkin’s second goal of the Olympics. He also opened the scoring in the quarterfinals against Sweden.
Larkin has had such a strong tournament for the United States.
Such a complete player. What a shot. Great pass too from the defense. https://t.co/a4cYnEZI8e
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 20, 2026
The early deficit seemed to shock Slovakia into form, as the next 15 minutes of action were drum-tight.
But all it takes is one error. With 58 seconds left in the opening period, Slovakia’s Milos Kelemen was called for tripping, giving the U.S. a late penalty play.
And they almost instantly delivered. Tage Thompson snuck his shot right between the goaltender’s shoulder and the post to double Team USA’s advantage.
A 2-0 lead for the United States after Tage Thompson sent a 🚀 into the back of the net.
40 minutes to go.pic.twitter.com/jxuB70Tzbk
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 20, 2026
Second Period
Team USA only built on its lead from there.
The first 12 minutes of the period saw a handful of penalties for each side, with neither able to capitalize on the power play. The U.S. turned up the heat in the final eight minutes, leaving Slovakia entirely in the rearview mirror.
It started with Jack Hughes off an assist from Zach Werenski. Hughes deked toward the left side of the crease and tucked his shot past the goalie to make it 3-0.
America’s most lethal sniper.
Jack Hughes is sensational.pic.twitter.com/P4T98ohNfC
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 20, 2026
Brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk got in on the United States’ next score.
Matthew found Brady, who unloaded it to Jack Eichel as Team USA broke open the game with a four-goal advantage.
Team USA RUNNING away with it! pic.twitter.com/hDs3RkkVc2
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 20, 2026
That score resulted in a goaltender switch for Slovakia. But that change proved futile.
With just over 90 seconds left in the period, and about six minutes after the substitution, Hughes scored his second goal of the period to put Team USA up 5-0.
An explosive middle period for the Americans as they scored 3 goals in short order against Slovakia.
Jack Hughes absolutely on fire with two goals as the United States leads 5-0 heading into the third.pic.twitter.com/NFPVPGs1Lh
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 20, 2026
Third Period
With a golden path to advance in sight, the U.S. just needed to hold strong for 20 minutes.
Slovakia was able to get on the board twice, lighting the lamp about five and 13 minutes into the final period. Brady Tkachuk split the difference of those two for goal number six.
A FILTHY move by Brady Tkachuk to extend the lead. pic.twitter.com/CIrgDfTFR6
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 20, 2026
The 6-2 scoreline held until the final horn, and the United States advances to the 2026 Olympic hockey final.
What’s next for Team USA Hockey?
The United States Men’s hockey team will play for gold against Canada on Sunday at 6:10 a.m. (MT).
The game will be available to stream on Peacock.
