Rangers stars are one win away from Olympic gold in massive USA vs Canada showdown

The stage is officially set for Sunday, as Mike Sullivan, David Quinn, J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck will be representing Team USA as they aim to win Olympic gold in men's ice hockey for the first time since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980 at Lake Placid.

Team Canada punched their ticket to the gold medal game after rallying from two goals down in their semifinal, capped by a Nathan MacKinnon dagger with 36 seconds left in regulation to beat Finland.

Later in the day, Team USA stepped up to deliver the matchup the hockey world has been craving, with upstart Slovakia standing in their way.

From the opening puck drop, there was never a moment where Team USA looked anything but in control. They came out furious and purposeful, with early goals from Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson setting the tone for a dominant performance. Slovakia’s frustration boiled over quickly, leading to a parade to the penalty box as the Americans surged ahead and never looked back.

Ranger rival, turned temporary friend, and familiar face come up big in Semis

Jack Hughes continued his Olympic takeover, netting two goals and driving play every time he touched the ice. He is someone Rangers fans love to root against during the NHL season, but things are different for at least one more game. Team USA struck again when Jack Eichel scored to make it two goals in 19 seconds early in the second period, forcing Slovakia to pull their goaltender as they prepare for Saturday's bronze medal game. Eichel is a name the Rangers, and their fans have coveted for quite awhile, and it's been an opportunity for American based Blueshirt fans to cheer Jack on.

The rematch everyone expected will be here before you know it

And now, the sports world gets the rematch it’s been salivating over since last year’s deliciously violent appetizer at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Neither team’s path to this moment was as smooth as expected. Canada survived two nail‑biting elimination games, while the U.S. narrowly escaped Sweden in an overtime thriller in the quarterfinals. Team Canada boasts an All‑Star roster loaded with elite talent. Team USA counters with stars of their own — and arguably the deeper lineup top to bottom.

Team Canada boasts an All‑Star roster loaded with elite talent. Team USA counters with stars of their own — and arguably the deeper lineup top to bottom. It’s no secret how the Americans want to play this game: physical, punishing, and disruptive. They’ll try to drag Canada away from their superior skill game and into the mud.

As always, the difference may come down to goaltending. Jordan Binnington has been solid for Canada, but his recent play with his NHL club, St. Louis Blues raises questions. Connor Hellebuyck, meanwhile, has been rock‑steady for Team USA and gives them a slight edge in the crease.

Of course, all the records, past matchups, All‑Star résumés, and previous 4 Nations bragging rights go out the window when these two nations collide.

Another major storyline: Will Canadian captain Sidney Crosby suit up? He suffered an injury in the quarterfinal win over Czechia and was sorely missed in the semifinal against Finland. His availability could swing the emotional temperature of the game.

What we’re headed for is a no‑holds‑barred battle of will versus skill. Canada brings plenty of snarl with Tom Wilson and Brad Marchand ready to counter the American physicality. USA will try to impose their style early and often.

The puck drops at 2:10 p.m. local time in Italy — just hours before the closing ceremonies — so don’t expect any schedule adjustments to accommodate a North American‑friendly start time.

This gold medal showdown lands on the anniversary of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice", but no matter who wins, this won’t be a miracle — just a spectacle on ice.