Why Beating Canada Could Be Team USA's Greatest Olympic Hockey Win Ever

After Team USA’s men’s hockey squad demolished Slovakia in a 6-2 semi-final match, they're now headed to the final of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 22, at 8:10 am ET. The roster filled out by the likes of Hughes brothers (Quinn and Jack), Connor McDavid, Auston Matthew, Jack Eichel, and more, has the opportunity to do something Americans haven’t been able to do since the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. Win a gold medal in men’s hockey. 

That in itself would prove to be a remarkable feat. Prior to the semi-finals,  CBS Sports claimed Canada is “the overwhelming favorite to claim its record 10th Olympic gold medal.” So America goes into the gold match as the underdogs. While the odds aren’t as stacked against Team USA as they were in 1980, this is a bit of a Miracle on Ice situation. And yet, the Americans defeating the Canadian Goliath and earning their first gold medal in the sport in 46 years is not what would make this Team USA’s greatest win ever. 

Team USA’s Men Following the Women's Lead Would Make History

In case you haven’t heard, Thursday, February 19, was a big day for the Americans in Milan. Not only did Alysa Liu stun the sports world and walk away with a gold medal after delivering a nearly perfect performance on the ice, but Hilary Knight and Team USA’s women’s hockey team also dethroned the Canadians to win a gold medal.

Focusing on the latter point, the fact that both the women’s and men’s hockey finals consist of American and Canadian teams is a fascinating moment already. However, if the men can pull off an “upset” and defeat the Canadians in Sunday’s matchup, it would mark the first time in Olympic history that both the American men and women have earned a gold medal in hockey at the same Games. Furthermore, it would be an even sweeter moment knowing that the Americans defeated their rival Canadian northern neighbors twice to do it.

With all that being said, does Team USA have it in them to defeat the Canadians come Sunday? You can check out the Men’s Hockey Final on Sunday, February 22, at 8:10 am ET. on NBC and Peacock. 

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