Team USA has been in just two previous semifinal games and has won both. In 2010, the U.S. scored six times in the first period and went on to beat Finland, 6-1, and in 2002, Team USA downed Russia, 3-2.
Slovakia got to tonight’s semifinal by way of a 6-2 win over Germany in the first quarterfinal game on Wednesday (Feb. 18), while the U.S. played the final quarterfinal game and used Quinn Hughes’ goal in overtime to defeat Sweden, 2-1, in thrilling fashion.
The U.S. and Slovakia have met six previous times in the Olympics, with Team USA owning a 3-0-1-1-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L-T) advantage. The teams have faced off in the last three Olympics, including in 2022 when Slovakia ended Team USA’s medal hopes by virtue of a 3-2 shootout victory.
Connor Hellebuyck gets the call in goal tonight. He is 3-0 and has the top save percentage (.958) and goals against average (0.98) in the Olympic tournament. He played in Team USA’s 2-1 overtime win over Sweden in the semifinals and made 28 saves on 29 shots.