You just knew it was going to shake out this way: Team Canada versus the United States for the gold medal on Sunday to cap off the return of NHL players at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Both teams suffered a scare or two along the way, but when push came to shove, the two best teams in the tournament wouldn’t be denied.
As a result, it will be a rematch of the 4 Nations Face-Off final and the 2010 Vancouver Olympic gold medal game, both of which ended in thrilling fashion for Canada and heartbreak for the Americans.
That said, these two hockey nations are as evenly matched as ever, so if Canada wants to retain its crown as the world’s top hockey country, there are three things they must do.
Get to Connor Hellebuyck Early
Connor Hellebuyck has been virtually unbeatable in these Olympics, and while it hasn’t come against competition anywhere close to as stiff as Team Canada, we know that when on his game, he’s one of — if not the best — goalies in the world.
He’s backed that up in this tournament, allowing just five goals in four starts while posting a perfect 4-0 record, to go with a sparkling 1.23 goals-against average, and a .947 save percentage. Those numbers would have looked even better without surrendering two in the third against Slovakia, perhaps a good sign for Canada that he is, in fact, beatable heading into Sunday.
So how does Canada break through? Get to Hellebuyck early. In three of his four starts, he carried a shutout into the third period. Canada needs to come out strong and ideally pot a first-period goal to prevent him from settling in and getting too comfortable and confident in the crease.
Win the Special Teams Battle
Canada’s most dangerous weapon is undoubtedly its power play. Having Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and one of Sidney Crosby or Macklin Celebrini on the ice together has produced results all tournament long, and that must continue in the gold medal game.
In what projects to be a tight-checking, low-scoring matchup, where power-play opportunities could be at a premium, taking advantage of whatever opportunities they do get will be critical.
On the flip side, limiting a dangerous American power play loaded with elite talent on both units will be just as important. As Canada showed in the semifinal against Finland, special teams can ultimately be the difference, especially in a winner-take-all final.
Depth Contributions
Lastly, Canada is going to need at least one goal from someone outside of McDavid, MacKinnon, and Celebrini, especially if the captain, Crosby, remains out of action (his availability will also play a huge role in the outcome).
Nick Suzuki and Mitch Marner came through against Czechia, then it was Shea Theodore‘s turn against the Finns, and while that was great, they’re going to need more of it on Sunday to take down the Americans.
Whether it’s the Suzuki-Marner-Mark Stone line breaking through, the energy trio of Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Tom Wilson continuing to build on its recent momentum, or another timely goal from the blue line, depth scoring won’t just be welcome — it will be essential if Canada hopes to win gold.
Next: McDavid Fuels Hope of Sidney Crosby Gold Medal Game Return?
Discover more from NHL Trade Talk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
