Takeaways from Team USA’s Olympic hockey win vs. Slovakia

Team USA needed overtime to defeat Sweden in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament.

Friday’s game in the semi-final round was not as stressful for the spectators.

The Americans scored early and often, and posted a 6-2 win over Slovakia to clinch a spot in the gold medal game, where the team will face Canada on Sunday (8:10 a.m. ET).

How did America perform so impressively? Who were the key players in the competition? And what does it mean as we wait for the final showdown against America’s primary hockey rival?

Takeaway 1: The American attack is back

This was by far the USA’s best team in the tournament, especially on the offensive side. The Americans did not have the same spark in their quarterfinal match against Sweden, where they managed only one goal in regulation while several of their top forwards fouled out. It took an overtime marker from a defenseman quinn hughes To eventually get them to the semi-finals.

The United States made up for lost time against Slovakia. dylan larkin (second scorer in quarterfinal win), taze thompson, jack hughes (twice), jack eichel And brady tkachuk (While separated, no less) Everyone contributed a goal to the win, and it felt like there was more togetherness than we’ve seen from this group so far.

Dirty move by Brady Tkachuk to extend the lead. pic.twitter.com/CIrgDfTFR6

– NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) 20 February 2026

It is not unusual for a team to take time to develop chemistry when it has been put together for a short period of time. We’re watching that development in real time from the United States, and the team has picked the perfect moment for the crescendo.

Takeaway 2: Discipline – with a big D – matters

The Americans had some trouble scoring on Friday. But they could be smarter when it comes to giving up goal chances.

The US committed four penalties in just over 25 minutes of game action, and they were unable to defend on that count. (Think about people who make a lot of mistakes.) Charlie McEvoy Took two on his own, and skaters like him (or auston matthewsAnother top player getting the gate) is aimed at creating momentum for his team, not snatching it away.

Yes, the Americans’ penalty kill occurred frequently – and overall did a good job of limiting Slovakia’s shot opportunities; The Slovaks also didn’t help themselves with a surprising lack of net presence up front connor hellebuyck.

However, missing so many power-play opportunities is a high-risk area, and discipline will be paramount if the U.S. hopes to achieve its ultimate goal in Sunday’s gold medal match. The Canadians have one of the most lethal power plays in the tournament, including a talent for finding the twine.

Slovakia managed only 23 shots on the US netminder and had a chance to get a solid lead on the boards for most of the night. However, other than a mistimed play in the back of the net before Juraj Slavkowski’s goal, Hellebuyck was too strong for the US (again) and should give the team full confidence in the anticipated goalie matchup Jordan Binnington To sleep.

However, Hellebuyck may have more to prove than Binnington. He has been maligned for poor playoff performances in the NHL, and despite earning regular season accolades (including the Hart Trophy last season as league MVP), Hellebuyck hasn’t found the signature wins at the highest level of his play that truly separate top-tier goaltenders.

This is his opportunity to silence those doubters and show that he can shut the door against the best competition in the game when the stakes are at their highest.

Player of the game: jack hughesF

This was the Jack Hughes performance we were waiting for in Milan. Not that Hughes was by any means invisible before this semi-final. It’s just that he didn’t really look like the effective offensive threat he had shown in the past.

His first goal – weaving his way through Slovakia’s defense – was highlight-reel worthy and an injection of confidence for the US amid several penalty troubles. And Hughes’ second goal was opportunistic – right player, right place, right time.

Jack Hughes said “A unique one”. pic.twitter.com/GG2bK1YPlj

– NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) 20 February 2026

Hughes is playing a fourth-line role for the U.S. team, and that’s not where he used to be in the NHL. However, Hughes took the opportunity he got and is finally making the most of it. Perhaps Hughes was inspired by brother Quinn’s heroics in the quarter, putting some extra competitive fire in his skates. Whatever inspired Hughes, it was exactly what America needed from one of its most talented shooters.

Big question for the gold medal game

How will the US accommodate Canada’s top skaters?

Personnel questions loom for both teams heading into Sunday’s final. Desire Sidney Crosby Will he be available for Canada after missing Friday’s semi-final due to injury? And will the U.S. provide Thompson with “precautionary reasons” after his departure against Slovakia, possibly caused by a blocked shot with his foot in the second match?

Although there has been a change in the lineup, the United States will be in full control of the team and will be in the middle of gold. This is certainly familiar territory, given that Canada and the US faced off in a 4-nation final a year ago. America was losing in that effort. Most of their roster experienced that disappointment; Now we will find out if they have learned anything from this.

connor mcdavid, nathan mackinnon and newcomer McLean Celebrini Canadian crime has taken it to predictably high, if not new, heights. Can the US use all its firepower at once to flip the script on the 4 Nations, and match what the US women were able to do in denying Canada the hockey gold?

Overall Team Grade: A-

The penalty may not have hurt Team USA, but if we’re looking at ways to improve, staying out of the box will be important.

Despite the goal by Slavkowski on Hellebuyck (his foul play on him and general defensive zone disorganization were shocking), it was a fairly clean game overall by the Americans. Their scoring depth came to the fore, star players created chances and Hellebuyck excelled when called upon.

The U.S. has been building momentum through the tournament and that continues into Sunday’s contest.