USA Dominates Slovakia 6-2 in Olympic Semi-Finals

Team USA cruises to gold medal matchup against Canada

Team USA defeats Slovakia 6-2 in Olympic semi-finals, setting up a gold medal game against Canada. Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel lead USA's dominant win over Slovakia in Olympic semis.

“I think it's what everyone wanted, this match-up in the gold medal game...”

Team USA crushed Slovakia 6-2 in the Olympic semi-finals, setting up a thrilling gold medal matchup against arch-rivals Canada on Sunday, February 22nd (8:10 a.m. ET, 14:10 CET). Jack Hughes led the charge with two goals, while Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves in net.

Meanwhile, Slovakia will face Finland in the bronze medal match today, Saturday, February 21st. The Finns are looking strong after nearly upsetting Canada in the other semi-final.

“I think it's what everyone wanted, this match-up in the gold medal game, and I've thought about it a lot,” Larkin said after the game in anticipation for the match against Canada.

Dylan Larkin's Olympic Breakthrough

Team USA forward Dylan Larkin scored his second goal of the Olympics, building on his first-ever Olympic goal against Sweden. This time, he was assisted by Zach Werenski and Tage Thompson, who also scored the Americans' second goal.

Tage Thompson scored his third goal of the Olympics, putting Team USA up 2-0 with just 41 seconds left in the first period. The goal came on their first power play, with assists from Jack Eichel and Quinn Hughes. Meanwhile, Slovakia failed to capitalize on their two power play opportunities, going 0-for-2.

USA TO PLAY FOR GOLD! 🇺🇸

The Americans will face Canada in the gold medal game at the #MilanoCortina2026 #WinterOlympics SUNDAY at 8:10a ET on @NBCSports, @peacock, @cbcsports, @cbcgem, & @Sportsnet! pic.twitter.com/NA9a47500t

— NHL (@NHL) February 20, 2026

The second period was a continuation of Team USA's dominance, scoring three goals, including two just 19 seconds apart. Jack Hughes scored his second goal of the Olympics, assisted by Zach Werenski, who recorded his second assist. This goal put the Americans up 3-0.

Team USA continued to dominate, scoring another goal to make it 5-0 before the second period ended. Jack Hughes netted his second goal of the game and third of the Olympics, assisted by Zach Werenski's third assist of the matchup. The U.S. outshot Slovakia 26-13 heading into the third period, with both teams going a combined 0-6 on the power play in the second (Slovakia 0-2).

Jack Hughes showing flashes of Patrick Kane! pic.twitter.com/iaHFG0pvcW

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 20, 2026

Slovakia finally got on the board with 15 minutes left, thanks to Juraj Slafkovsky's fourth goal of the Olympics, making it 5-1 against Team USA. Slafkovsky, a Montreal Canadiens' young star, led Slovakia in goals (4) and assists (4), but it wasn't enough to secure a historic medal finish.

Brady Tkachuk scored again, capitalizing on his second breakaway opportunity to make it 6-1 for Team USA. Slovakia fought back with Pavol Regenda's third goal of the Olympics, narrowing the score to 6-2. They finished the game 0-for-5 on the power play, with Martin Fehervary assisting on both Slovakian goals.

Jack Hughes said "ANOTHA ONE". pic.twitter.com/GG2bK1YPlj

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 20, 2026

The stage is set for a thrilling gold medal game between the U.S. and Canada, a rematch of last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, which Canada won 3-2 in overtime. The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, at 8:10 a.m. ET in Milan, Italy.