First Period

The Americans made quick work of getting on the board to start the game. Slovakia sought change, occurring four minutes into the first. Zach Werenski saw a chance and threw a stretch pass up the ice for Dylan Larkin to throw a tumbling shot past Samuel Hlavaj.

Almost 12 minutes into the frame, Werenski shuttled the puck over the glass, sending himself to the box for a delay of game. To this point in the tournament, the Americans have been perfect on their 11 penalty kills. So they killed this one with no issue.

With less than a minute left, Milos Kelemen was called for a tripping penalty. This gave USA its first power play of the game, and they did not hesitate to take advantage of the situation. Larkin won the draw and scooted the puck back to Quinn Hughes, who immediately passed over to Jack Eichel. The Vegas Golden Knight sent it over to Tage Thompson for the one-timer past Hlavaj’s ear and the 2–0 lead. USA outshot Slovakia 11–8 and killed two penalties in the first period alone.

Team USA was fighting for a medal in the Olympics for the first time since the 2010 Games. With the game on Friday afternoon, they would be guaranteed at least a bronze medal in a battle against Team Finland on Saturday afternoon. But the Hughes brothers had something to say about that, helping send the Americans to the Gold Medal Game on Sunday with a 6–2 victory.

Second Period

The Americans dominated the period, despite it being a special teams battle for most of the frame. By the time USA scored their second goal of the period, they had outshot Slovakia 12–2. Just over 12 minutes into the second, Werenski got the puck to Jack Hughes. The younger of the brothers walked his way through three defensemen and netted his second of the tournament. It only took 19 more seconds, and Eichel added another, forcing a goaltender change for the Slovaks. But Jack Hughes still had another one left in him. Werenski took a shot and Hughes cleaned up the rebound for his second goal of the game.

Third Period

In the final period, Slovakia mounted a comeback. Goals from Juraj Slafkovský and Pavol Regenda broke the shutout that Connor Hellebuyck was riding. Ottawa Sentators’ captain Brady Tkachuk had to have his say as well, scoring his third of the tournament and securing the 6–2 Americans.

Up Next

Team USA will take on Team Canada Sunday morning at 6 a.m. MT. Meanwhile, Team Slovakia will battle Team Finland for Bronze on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. MT.