Canada and U.S. Set For Olympic Men's Hockey Final
Canada and the United States will play for men's ice hockey gold Sunday in Milan; Canada can win a record-extending 10th title while the U.S. seeks its first Olympic gold since 1980.
Overview
Canada and the United States will meet in the men's Olympic ice hockey gold-medal game on Sunday at 13.10 GMT at Milano Santagiulia Arena.
Canada rallied to beat Finland 3-2 with Nathan MacKinnon scoring the winner with about 35 to 35.2 seconds remaining, and the United States advanced by beating Slovakia 6-2, according to game reports.
Canada captain Sidney Crosby did not play in the Finland semi with a lower-back injury, and coach Jon Cooper said Crosby had a better chance of playing in the gold-medal game than he did of playing in the semi, while Connor McDavid said the team is deep and can lead without him.
Canada is vying for a record-extending 10th men's Olympic ice hockey gold, the United States is seeking its third and first since 1980, and the tournament is the first to feature NHL players since 2014, with three teams made up exclusively of NHL players.
The gold-medal game will decide the Olympic men's champion and will close out the Milano Cortina Games, which run 6-22 February, with the two North American rivals set to play for the title on Sunday.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Olympic hockey coverage as a high-stakes, dramatic rivalry by using loaded descriptors (charged, mouth-watering), prioritizing superstar narratives (McDavid, Knight) and elevating emotional player quotes. Editorial emphasis also foregrounds political frisson (Trump attendance) and injuries, while downplaying broader logistical or critical perspectives on officiating or safety.
Sources (14)
FAQ
The gold medal game is scheduled for Sunday at 13:10 GMT (8:10 a.m. ET) at Milano Santagiulia Arena.
Sidney Crosby missed the semifinal due to a lower-back injury but coach Jon Cooper indicated he has a better chance of playing in the gold medal game than in the semi.
Canada rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2, with goals from Sam Reinhart, Shea Theodore, and Nathan MacKinnon (power-play winner with 35.2-36 seconds left, assisted by Connor McDavid).
Canada seeks a record-extending 10th men's Olympic ice hockey gold; the U.S. aims for its third overall and first since 1980's 'Miracle on Ice'.
It is the first Olympic men's ice hockey tournament with NHL players since 2014, featuring three teams composed exclusively of NHL players.
History
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