On Friday, February 20, Team USA and Team Slovakia went head-to-head in the 2026 Winter Olympics semi-finals game. Team USA won 6-2, as there could be only one winner; that winner will play in the gold medal game which will take place on Sunday, February 22 at 8:10 a.m. ET.
An incredible win for Team USA, an unstoppable force of nature composed of highly skillful players across the National Hockey League (NHL).
Suspense was high for the USA since their overtime win on Wednesday against Sweden where Quinn Hughes won the game, allowing USA to advance to the semi-finals. This win set the bar high for Team USA, with the level of expectation being settled with Friday evening’s win.
FIRST PERIOD:
During the first period, just nearly five minutes in, Dylan Larkin was first to put USA on the board, scoring 1-0. Larkin’s goal was assisted both by Zach Werenski and Tage Thompson– they happened to be an incredible pair on this goal. A shocking goal for Larkin, already bringing the energy.
For the majority of the first period, continuous offensive and defensive strengths were met and USA performed well. With just seconds remaining, Thompson was able to find the back of Slovakia’s net on the power play, putting USA up by two. Thompson had the help from Jack Eichel and Quinn Hughes. Q. Hughes currently has six assists throughout his Olympic debut.
SECOND PERIOD:
Heading into the second period, J. Hughes was next to give USA an advantage over Slovakia, Werenski came in clutch with a fantastic assist to set up Hughes in the perfect spot to score and USA led 3-0 at this point.
Just 19 seconds after J. Hughes goal, Jack Eichel scored his second Olympic goal with the help of both Tkachuk brothers; Matthew and Brady. A fantastic start for USA, leading 4-0; not slowing down their techniques to perform.
To conclude the second period, J. Hughes scored his third goal of his Olympic career, and his second of the evening, giving USA a 5-0 lead over Slovakia. Meanwhile, Werenski picked up his third assist of the night, which two of them were on J. Hughes goals; establishing a three-point night. Matt Boldy also had an assist on Hughes effort. The level of skill from Jack was inevitable, an absolute icon of a player.
THIRD PERIOD:
Thompson did not return for the start of the third period due to precautionary measures. An adequate player for Team USA, but in good spirits for Sunday. During the third period, Slovakia had the chance to strike back and score on USA goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. Juraj Slafkovsky scored his fourth goal throughout the Olympics, giving Slovakia their first goal of the game.
Shortly after, with a little over half of the third period remaining, Brady Tkachuk extended USA’s lead to 6-1 with a breakaway goal. Vincent Trocheck and Noah Hanifin earned the assists. An impressive goal by B. Tkachuk; quick yet effective.
Concluding the third period, Slovakia was able to gather one more goal to close out the game, before heading the play for bronze on Saturday, February 21. Pavol Regenda got Slovakia their second goal, concluding their loss to USA.
While Thompson did not return for the third period, that was no problem for Team USA as the team continued to dominate Slovakia, winning 6-2. This team is exactly what USA hockey needed to win.
Knowing that USA Hockey has not won Gold since the 1980s Miracle On Ice, this is their time for redemption.
Be sure to tune in on Sunday, February 22 at 8:10 a.m. to watch USA Hockey take on Team Canada.
