Though, it’s worth pointing out that this United States team is far from the ragtag group of young college players that came together to shock the world in 1980. Team USA is playing with a full roster of NHL players, as is Canada. Between the two powerhouse squads, they have 25 Stanley Cup wins and 53 individual NHL awards, the final is truly a matchup of the two best teams in the world.
“It is the tightest hockey you will find, probably ever, Matthew Tkachuk said. “It will be a great game. It is two of the best teams probably ever, and it will be one hell of a game.”
This will only be the third time that the U.S. and Canada have met in an Olympic gold medal game in which NHL players participated, and the Canadians won both previous instances in 2002 and 2010. The rivalry between the two North American countries appears more intense than ever, with both declaring a “Gold or bust” mentality ahead of the Games.
“The rivalry with Canada is obviously a long battle and a long history,” Nelson said. “(These are) two countries that want to come out on top, have the bragging rights that they’re the best country in the world.”
The last time the rivals met on the ice was at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, when Canada topped the U.S. in the championship game, thanks to a dagger in overtime by Connor McDavid. The loss is still raw for Team USA, who believes this is the best team they’ve ever put forth, expect them to come out swinging and clawing for every possession.
“We’re one shot away (from gold), but the line between winning and losing is so fine in tournaments like this,” Jack Eichel said.
The U.S squad is led in points by playmaker Quinn Hughes (7), six of which are assists. Captain Auston Matthews is tied with Jack Hughes, Eichel and Matthew Tkachuk with six points. Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson, Matthews and Jack Hughes have each chipped in three goals during the tournament. The variety of scorers for the United States showcases the depth of talent this team has.
Aside from the 11 points the Tkachuks have brought to the Olympics, they also bring the ultimate x-factor. The brothers possess the ability to simultaneously get under their opponent’s skin and ignite a fire under their teammates. Brady and Matthew sent a message in the first matchup with Canada at 4 Nations, and both ended up in the penalty box for instigating separate fights within the first three seconds of the game.
“They make things interesting,” Their father and four-time Olympian Keith Tkachuck said in September. “You never know what you’re going to get from them. They both made it to the NHL on their skill and their character, but they bring other intangibles that you need to a team when things aren’t going well.”
The U.S. team is backed up by three-time Vezina Trophy winner (awarded to the best goalie) and Hart Trophy winner (NHL MVP) Connor Hellebuyck. The Winnipeg Jets goalie has only allowed five goals in the tournament and leads all goalies with a 94.74 save percentage.
“I got so much trust for the guys around me,” Hellebuyck said after defeating Sweden. “I can really focus on one guy and then lock on the pucks, and they let me see everything, if I can see it, I can stop it, so they make my job so easy.”