Key Highlights
- Canada and USA to meet in charged Olympic ice hockey finale on Sunday at Milano Santagiulia Arena.
- Canada aims for 10th men’s ice hockey gold medal, last won in 2014. USA hasn’t claimed title since 1980.
- Both teams have faced challenges: Canada could be without Sidney Crosby due to knee injury and has battled sickness.
- Connor McDavid is considered the best player on the planet by Seth Bennett, while Quinn Hughes for USA is touted as a top defender.
The Most Anticipated Duel in Milan
Canada and USA are set to clash in the Olympic ice hockey final at Milano Santagiulia Arena. It’s an event that has been building up since the opening ceremonies of Milan-Cortina 2026.
A Battle of Nations with Different Histories
The two storied nations have different Olympic narratives. Canada, aiming for their 10th gold medal, last won in 2014. The USA hasn’t triumphed since the ‘Miracle on Ice’ in 1980 and haven’t beaten Canada in a men’s final since 1960.
Canada has had to fight hard for their place in the final. They needed overtime to win their quarter-finals, and had to come from behind against Finland in the semi-final with Sidney Crosby out injured.
The Canadian Team’s Strength
Connor McDavid is acknowledged as the best player on the planet by Seth Bennett. He was averaging three points a game going into the semi-finals. His teammate Nathan MacKinnon, despite throwing up during their quarter-final match, still has immense offensive talent.
Cale Makar, the world’s top defenceman, is another critical piece for Canada. Adding young talents like Macklin Celebrini, who scored most points by a teenager in an Olympic competition, gives them a well-rounded squad.
The USA’s Lineup
Brady and Matthew Tkachuk along with Jack Eichel form the attacking line, but captain Auston Matthews hasn’t been performing as expected. Quinn Hughes for the USA is considered the best three-on-three player in the world. He loves to keep possession and make exciting plays.
The Expectation and Anticipation
According to Bennett, this game will be fascinating both on the ice and in the stands. The return of NHL players has significantly raised the quality of play. Games have been good but missed the quality in the final third, the big moments.
Players now have the skillset to break games.
The crowd may also be less tense due to more neutral ticket buyers for an Olympic spectacle rather than a potential grudge match. Canada’s arrogance and all-star players versus USA’s fun but not overpowered team makes both sides appealing.
