Game Set for Epic Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Clash at 2026 Winter Olympics

MILAN, Italy — The stage is set for one of the most anticipated matchups in international hockey history: the United States faces Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 22, at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

Puck drop is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. CET (8:10 a.m. ET / 5:10 a.m. PT), with broadcast coverage on NBC in the United States, Peacock streaming, CBC and Sportsnet in Canada, and international feeds via Olympic channels. The game caps a tournament that marked the return of NHL players to the Olympics for the first time since Sochi 2014, delivering star-studded rosters and high-stakes drama.

Both teams enter undefeated, with Canada (5-0) and the United States (5-0) cruising through their paths to the final. The Americans advanced with a commanding 6-2 semifinal victory over Slovakia on Friday, powered by two goals from Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils) and three assists from Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets). Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets) was solid, allowing just two goals in a dominant performance that showcased U.S. depth and speed.

Canada secured its spot earlier Friday with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Finland, overcoming a two-goal deficit in a tense semifinal. Nathan MacKinnon’s late heroics and strong goaltending sealed the victory, highlighting the Canadians’ resilience and firepower.

This gold medal showdown revives one of sport’s fiercest rivalries. Canada has dominated the all-time Olympic series against the U.S., winning 15 of 19 meetings, including gold medal victories in 2002 (5-2 in Salt Lake City) and 2010 (3-2 in overtime in Vancouver on Sidney Crosby’s iconic “golden goal”). The U.S. seeks its first men’s hockey gold since the “Miracle on Ice” triumph in 1980 at Lake Placid and its first against Canada in a gold medal game.

The buildup intensified last year during the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, the first best-on-best international tournament since 2016. The teams split their meetings: the U.S. won a 3-1 round-robin game in Montreal amid a politically charged atmosphere, but Canada claimed the championship with a 3-2 overtime victory in Boston on Connor McDavid’s heroics. That final drew massive viewership and set the tone for this rematch.

Rosters feature NHL superstars on both sides. Canada boasts McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Cale Makar (Avalanche), Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), and emerging talent Macklin Celebrini. The lineup emphasizes speed, skill and depth, with strong defensive play and goaltending.

The United States counters with Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights), Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings) and Hellebuyck. The Americans have leaned on offensive explosiveness and transition play, overwhelming opponents in key moments.

Betting odds reflect a near pick’em: Canada is a slight favorite at -111 to -118 on the moneyline, with the U.S. at -102 to -108. The puck line sits at Canada -1.5 (+205) and U.S. +1.5 (-265), while the over/under is 5.5 goals (over +134, under -164). Analysts predict a physical, low-scoring affair early, with potential for late drama given both teams’ come-from-behind abilities.

Key storylines abound: Can the U.S. end Canada’s Olympic dominance and claim its first gold in 46 years? Will McDavid add another signature moment? How will political undertones from recent years influence the atmosphere?

The game holds massive stakes beyond medals. A U.S. win would mark a breakthrough in a rivalry where Canada has long held bragging rights as hockey’s birthplace. For Canada, victory would extend its record to 10 Olympic golds in men’s hockey.

Fans worldwide anticipate a battle of skill, speed and grit. The Santagiulia Arena promises an electric crowd, with global viewership expected to soar.

As the final event of the Milano Cortina Games, this USA-Canada clash delivers the pinnacle of Olympic hockey — a rematch fans have craved since the 4 Nations Face-Off and a fitting conclusion to a star-powered tournament.