Have you ever thought about something that was completely inevitable? Like, how the United States and Canada would meet for the gold medal? Well, it'll be a North American affair as the two countries will meet on Sunday.
Just be sure not to tell certain people that.
Love how cocky USA fans are already saying they are in the Gold Medal game against Canada.
— cassi💙 (@joanne87781) February 18, 2026
Honey, you have to beat Slovakia first and I don’t think they will.
You see, the United States soundly defeated Slovakia, 6-2. Jack Hughes had two goals, while Jack Eichel, Dylan Larkin, Brady Tkachuk and Tage Thompson also scored for the United States. Man, I can imagine how the Americans would react after seeing that tweet.
You see, it's a matchup between two colossal powers. The United States have all-world goaltenders in Connor Hellebuyck, Jeremy Swayman, and Jake Oettinger. They also have excellent puck-moving defensemen in Zach Werenski, Jake Sanderson, and Quinn Hughes.
As for Canada, there are the usual suspects in Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. But Canadian media has also fawned over Macklin Celebrini, who's emerged in the Olympics. The United States winning will set up a ratings-busting matchup between two powerhouses, whether some people want to avoid reality or not.
But let's look at this game for a second. This was a slight deviation from past American games of this tournament. It was a fast start that made the game out of reach by the first period. I know! It seems like a foreign concept, yet it happened for the Americans as they moved within a game of getting a gold medal.
Jack Eichel wasn't the only Vegas Golden Knights star who had a good night for the United States
It's been mentioned numerous times how Noah Hanifin has had a good tournament. He's even scored a goal, providing much-needed depth for the United States. Well, the Boston native struck again, assisting on Brady Tkachuk's third-period goal.
That assist was his second of the tournament, adding to America's onslaught against Slovakia. While Hanifin didn't have a shot on goal, that didn't matter. He found ways to impact the game without taking a shot, whether it was driving the play or backchecking.
If the United States can get more scoring from the Golden Knights blue liner during the gold medal game, it'll be a promising sign for their championship prospects. Canada will constantly be on the forecheck, attacking whenever possible. Therefore, it's on the defensemen, mainly Hanifin, to make the first move.
Golden Knights fans are set for a colossal gold medal game with stars galore
Hockey fans had a gut feeling that this game was coming. Both teams were playing like winning was inevitable, setting up a blockbuster matchup.
Be sure to wake up on Sunday at 5:10 AM PST and grab your cup of coffee! The gold medal game will be a star-studded affair between Golden Knights stars. Both countries will have players from Vegas on their team, looking to get past their hated rival for the gold.
Fans obviously know the names on the American side. They know what Eichel's capable of, especially after a monster performance with a goal, an assist, and five shots on goal. But they also know what the Canadians are capable of.
Mitch Marner has put Canada on its back to keep it alive. Mark Stone has thrived with superstars like Marner and Sidney Crosby throughout the tournament. Heck, even Shea Theodore got Canada to the gold medal round. These players will provide all the cinema and drama hockey fans crave, pleasantries on the flight home be d*mned.