Jack O'Callahan shared the blueprint that the United States men’s hockey team must follow in order to defeat Canada in the gold medal game at this year's Winter Olympics

In the semifinals on Friday, Feb. 20, the United States men's hockey team defeated Slovakia, the bronze medalist at the 2022 Beijing Games, and Canada defeated defending Olympic champion Finland. That means Slovakia and Finland will battle for the 2026 bronze medal.

In the semifinal, Slovakia had few answers for the American onslaught. Now, the U.S. men will meet Canada for a chance to win the team's first Olympic hockey gold since the "Miracle on Ice" back in 1980.

SportsLine's expert Mike Tierney reveals his United States vs. Canada picks for their Winter Olympics women's hockey gold-medal matchup on Thursday

Matt Severance reveals his best bets for Sunday's men's hockey Canada vs. Team USA final at the 2026 Winter Olympics

While Norway rules the 2026 medal table, its hockey teams are at home — a stark difference from its Nordic neighbors Sweden and Finland.

Women’s ice hockey joined the Olympic program in Nagano 1998 and immediately delivered a rivalry that would come to define the tournament. From that first final onward, the gold medal game has been dominated by the United States and Canada,