Quick Read
- Team USA defeated Slovakia 5-0 in the Olympic men’s hockey semifinals on February 20, 2026, in Milan.
- Auston Matthews, a Toronto Maple Leafs star, was tied for the team lead with five points in three games before the semifinal.
- Team USA will face Canada in the gold medal game; Canada beat Finland 3-2 in their semifinal.
- NHL players are participating in the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014.
- Goals for USA were scored by Dylan Larkin, Tage Thompson, Jack Hughes (2), and Jack Eichel.
MILAN (Azat TV) – The U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey team, featuring prominent Toronto Maple Leafs center and captain Auston Matthews, decisively defeated Slovakia 5-0 in the Olympic semifinals on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Milan. This victory secured Team USA a coveted spot in the gold medal game against arch-rival Canada, marking a significant milestone in the 2026 Winter Olympics, which saw the return of NHL players to the international stage for the first time since 2014.
Matthews, a dominant force in the National Hockey League since his early career, played a crucial role in Team USA’s journey to the semifinals. Prior to the matchup with Slovakia, he was tied for the team lead with Matthew Tkachuk, accumulating five points in just three games, showcasing the offensive prowess that has made him a perennial star for the Maple Leafs and a key figure for his national team.
Team USA’s Dominant Performance in Olympic Semifinal
The semifinal contest unfolded with Team USA asserting its dominance early and maintaining it throughout the game. Dylan Larkin opened the scoring for the Americans in the first period, quickly followed by Tage Thompson, who capitalized on a power play to extend the lead to 2-0. The second period saw an offensive explosion from the U.S. squad, with Jack Hughes netting two goals and Jack Eichel adding another, effectively putting the game out of reach for Slovakia.
Despite the overwhelming victory, Auston Matthews found himself in the penalty box during the second period, receiving a two-minute minor for hooking. This momentary lapse led to a four-on-four situation, but Team USA’s robust defense and excellent penalty killing ensured Slovakia could not capitalize. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, last season’s league-leading goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets, delivered a stellar performance, shutting out the Slovakian offense and further solidifying his reputation as an elite netminder.
Auston Matthews and NHL Stars’ Olympic Return
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are particularly notable for allowing NHL players to compete, a policy change that has significantly elevated the tournament’s star power and competitiveness. Auston Matthews, recognized as one of the NHL’s most prolific scorers and a generational talent, is a prime example of the caliber of players now gracing the Olympic ice. His presence, alongside other NHL luminaries like Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, and the Tkachuk brothers (Matthew and Brady), has brought immense attention and excitement to the tournament.
Team USA’s roster is exclusively composed of NHL players, a testament to the depth of talent available to the American squad. Slovakia, while a surprising semifinalist after an impressive 6-2 quarterfinal win over Germany, featured only seven NHL players on its roster. The blend of seasoned NHL veterans and emerging stars has created a compelling narrative for the men’s hockey tournament, with fans eager to see these top-tier athletes compete for national pride.
Anticipation Builds for USA vs. Canada Gold Medal Clash
The stage is now set for a highly anticipated gold medal showdown between the United States and Canada. Canada, considered a favorite entering the Olympics, secured its spot in the final by overcoming Finland 3-2 in a dramatic earlier semifinal match. Nathan MacKinnon scored the game-winning power play goal in the final minute, securing Canada’s berth despite trailing early. Notably, Canadian captain Sidney Crosby missed the semifinal due to an injury sustained in their quarterfinal game against Czechia.
This marks Team USA’s first appearance in an Olympic semifinal since 2014 and their first opportunity to play for gold since the 2010 Vancouver Games. The impending clash between these North American hockey powerhouses, featuring stars like Auston Matthews, promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the men’s ice hockey tournament in Milan.
The return of NHL players to the Olympic Games has undoubtedly revitalized the tournament, providing a global platform for top talents like Auston Matthews to showcase their skills and elevating the level of competition. This engagement not only benefits the players and their national teams but also significantly boosts the global appeal of ice hockey, demonstrating the sport’s highest potential.