• The U.S. men's hockey team defeated Slovakia 6-2 in the Olympic semifinals.
• Jack Hughes scored two goals, helping secure a spot in the gold medal match.
• The U.S. will face Canada, seeking its first Olympic gold in men's hockey since 1980.
• This is the first time NHL players are eligible to compete since 2014.
• The championship match will rekindle the historic rivalry between the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. men's hockey team secured a solid victory over Slovakia, winning 6-2 in the Olympic semifinals and clinching a spot in the gold medal match against Canada scheduled for Sunday. This marks the first time in 16 years that the U.S. team has advanced to the gold medal match, aiming for their first gold since the legendary "Miracle on Ice" in 1980, when they shocked the Soviets to claim victory, according to NPR, CBS News, and Reuters.

Jack Hughes delivered a standout performance with two goals, one of which was noted for its "highlight-reel" quality, as the U.S. overwhelmed the Slovak team, which has recently made improbable runs in international competitions. The game solidified the U.S. team’s dominant presence in the tournament, having also defeated Sweden in the quarterfinals, while Slovakia will look to secure its first Olympic medal since finishing third in 2022, according to CBS News and Reuters.

The matchup against Canada rekindles a significant rivalry, with forward Brock Nelson acknowledging the "long history" between the two teams. This gold medal game is a chance for the U.S. to reclaim its stature in international ice hockey, marking the first time since Vancouver 2010 that they have guaranteed a medal, according to NPR and Reuters.

This Olympic Games marks the first participation of NHL players since they were allowed to compete again, intensifying expectations for the U.S. hockey team. Players like captain Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski have expressed the significance of reaching this final, aiming to make history for American hockey and further grow the sport for future generations, as noted in statements from Larkin and Werenski found in Reuters and CBS News.