The stage has been set for the medal games for the 2026 Winter Olympic’s Men’s Hockey tournament. Team Canada was the first to seal a path to the Gold medal game with their 3-2 win over Team Finland on Friday. Soon after, Team USA earned the spot of contender with a confident 6-2 win over Team Slovakia. While the hockey world’s top rivals face off for Gold, the Bronze medal game will host the losing-parties, Finland and Slovakia.
A Canada and USA matchup seemed like the inevitable outcome of the NHL’s return to the Winter Olympics. After three tournaments without the world’s top talent, this year’s tournament has shown the next-level speed, skill, and strength that the NHL’s stars bring. Canada has been led by a superstar top line – with proven-greats Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon joined by Macklin Celebrini, the youngest skater to suit up for Canada at an Olympic men’s hockey tournament. Celebrini has played well above his age, leading the entire tournament in goals with five through as many games. He ranks second in total scoring with 10 points, behind McDavid’s 13 points.
With a robust cast and a confident goalie backing their top line, Canada won’t be an easy out. Team USA will attempt the feat with a well-rounded lineup, backed by reigning NHL Hart Trophy-winner Connor Hellebuyck, the first goalie to win the award since 2015. The Americans have spread their offense out, with each of Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes, and Jack Eichel stepping up to drive play at any given time. Those drivers are flanked by impact scorers like Auston Matthews, Matt Boldy, and Zach Werenski – giving the United States a roster that brings 60 minutes of dangerous offense.
The Team Canada versus Team USA matchup will carry a bit more oomph after the USA women’s team beat Canada by a score of 2-1 on Thursday. During the game, USA captain Hilary Knight recorded her 33rd career point at the Olympics, surpassing Jenny Potter for the country’s women’s record. Knight still ranks behind Canadian star Marie-Philip Poulin‘s 39 career points, though the former prevailed in the Gold matchup.
Meanwhile, Slovakia will stand up to a tough test for the Bronze medal. They brought the fourth-fewest NHL players of any team at this year’s tournament. Despite that, a cohesive and physical front has led the Slovaks above usual-contenders Team Sweden, who brought a full roster of NHL talent. The Finns have 24 NHL players, one shy of a full roster, and have leaned on their stars to push a downhill offense. Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho have set a top pace, while Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell hold a strong line behind them. When the stars are off the ice, Erik Haula, Joel Armia, and Artturi Lehkonen have kept the tempo going. They will have to beat the Slovaks with skill in what should be a closely-fought matchup.
Team Canada and Team USA will compete for Gold at 8 A.M. ET on Sunday morning. The Bronze medal game will take place at 2:40 P.M. ET on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.
I can’t f***ing wait
I think USA is playing better overall than Canada is at this point IMO. I feel USA has the edge but we’ll see Sunday.
But honestly, I’m personally ready for the Olympics to conclude and get past this exhibition finally. Let’s get back to business with the regular season already and see what goes down at the trade deadline.
Is it Wednesday night yet?
the bronze medal game is tomorrow not Sunday. Generally they don’t play the bronze medal game after the Olympics are over.
You’re right, it is on Saturday. I found it curious that the bronze medal game would play after the gold when I read it
Go USA!!!
That’s the only game that should have been played. Everything else has been a waste of time.
A 5-game Canada-USA series would have been perfect.
Canada almost got upset, anything can happen.
You are probably new to this stuff but the folks that run the Olympics generally don’t run an event with only two nations competing. Kinda ruins the idea of a bronze medal. My hope is that you and Wilf can find a support group to assist you in getting past your anger and grief. Godspeed.
Can the media please stop with Canada is the “greatest team ever assembled”? Possibly not even the best team at these Olympics.
Lots is being said about Macklin Celebrini, but can we pause to mention how good Pavol Regenda has been for Slovakia?
Not many Sharks in this tourney, but two of them are real standouts.
Continuous OT for both games?