Winter Olympics 2026: USA Jumps Ahead with 6-2 vs. Slovakia in Hockey Semifinal Thriller

The USA men's hockey team crushed Slovakia 6-2 in the Winter Olympics 2026 semifinal on February 20, 2026, at Santagiulia Arena in Milan, Italy. Dylan Larkin, Tage Thompson, Jack Hughes (two goals), Jack Eichel, and Brady Tkachuk powered the offense, while Connor Hellebuyck stopped 28 of 30 shots. This dominant win advances USA to the gold medal final against Canada on February 22, seeking revenge from their 2010 Vancouver loss.

USA's Explosive First Period Sets Tone

USA struck twice in the first period, outshooting Slovakia 11-8. Dylan Larkin scored first at 4:00 on a breakaway after Zach Werenski's assist, beating goalie Hlavaj stick-side. Tage Thompson added a power-play one-timer late in the frame, deflected off the goalie's shoulder for a 2-0 lead.

This early dominance disrupted Slovakia's rhythm, who topped tough groups but couldn't match USA's speed. Hellebuyck's steady play prevented counters. Slovakia pulled Hlavaj after the second goal, but damage was done.

Check: Who Has Won the Most Winter Olympic Medals from the U.S.?

Second Period Barrage Buries Slovakia

Midway through the second, Jack Hughes and Jack Eichel scored 19 seconds apart—the second-fastest pair in USA Olympic history with NHLers. Hughes slammed his second at 18:24, assisted by Werenski (3 assists) and Matt Boldy, for a commanding 5-0 lead entering the third.

Slovakia switched goalies to Skorvanek, but USA's power play (2-for-4) and forecheck overwhelmed them. Tensions rose late with fights involving Brady Tkachuk, Erik Cernak, and others, but USA managed the clock.

Know about the U.S. Roster for Winter Olympics 2026 here.

Path to Winter Olympic 2026 Gold: USA vs. Canada Rematch

USA now faces Canada in the February 22 final (8:10 a.m. ET, Peacock/NBC), a rematch of 2010's gold-medal heartbreaker. Slovakia plays Finland for bronze, defending their 2022 third place. Tage Thompson exited early (precautionary), status TBD.

USA's medal tally rises; their hockey evolution blends NHL stars like Hughes, Eichel, and Hellebuyck with Olympic intensity. Experts eye high-scoring affairs.

Read about the Top NHL Skaters of 2026.

Conclusion

USA's 6-2 rout positions them perfectly for Winter Olympics 2026 gold against Canada. Hughes' hot hand and Hellebuyck's wall could end decades of hurt—tune in Sunday for ice hockey history.