Team USA punched its ticket to the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics with a commanding 6-2 victory over Slovakia in Friday’s semifinal.

Jack Hughes scored twice, while Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson, and Dylan Larkin each added a goal as the Americans overwhelmed Slovakia from the opening puck drop. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped all but two shots he faced, with the Slovaks’ goals coming late in the third period after the outcome was largely decided.

The United States took control early when Larkin finished a rush off a feed from defenseman Zach Werenski, setting the tone just minutes into the contest. Werenski recorded three assists in the win, continuing his strong Olympic performance. By the second intermission, the Americans held a 5-0 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Hughes delivered one of the highlight plays of the tournament in the second period, dek­ing a defender before lifting a shot over Slovakian goalie Samuel Hlavaj. His second goal came during a dominant stretch that showcased the Americans’ speed and offensive depth. Hughes now has six points in five games in Milan.

Special teams played a key role. Team USA’s penalty kill remained perfect through the tournament at 15-for-15, shutting down four Slovak power plays. The Americans also converted on the man advantage and have capitalized on 28.6 percent of their power play opportunities, second only to Canada.

The semifinal win sets up a highly anticipated gold medal matchup against Canada, a rematch of the 2014 Olympic final and last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship game. Canada advanced earlier Friday with a comeback victory over Finland.

The United States is seeking its first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team. The Americans have reached two gold medal games since then, falling to Canada in both 2002 and 2010.

Players acknowledged the magnitude of the upcoming rivalry clash. “You want to go through the best and right now that’s them,” U.S. defenseman Quinn Hughes said. Forward Dylan Larkin called the matchup “a battle for the ages.”

With balanced scoring, strong defensive play, and elite goaltending, the Americans enter Sunday’s final appearing to peak at the right time. The gold medal game is scheduled for 8:10 a.m. ET.