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Daniel Chavkin
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The United States survived a scare Wednesday, as Quinn Hughes’ overtime goal propelled the team past Sweden in the quarterfinals.
Now, the United States is just two wins away from claiming the coveted gold medal. First up, though, Team USA must get through Slovakia in the semifinals to earn a spot in Sunday’s gold medal game.
For the United States, the production has been fairly balanced, but Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes are the only players with at least five points so far. Additionally, Connor Hellebuyck has started three of the United States’ four games, allowing just three goals on 71 shots.
STREAM: Watch United States vs. Slovakia LIVE on Peacock
Meanwhile, Slovakia was the only team to win regulation in the quarterfinals on Saturday, and the team enters the semifinals having won three of its four games while finishing first in the Group B standings. Juraj Slafkovsky has been a star for Slovakia, producing three goals and seven points, while Dalibor Dvorsky, Pavol Regenda and Adam Ruzicka have all played well.
The winner of this game will move on to play either Canada or Finland in the gold medal game on Sunday morning, and the loser has a quick turnaround to play in the bronze medal game on Saturday.
The Sporting News is tracking live scores, updates and highlights from the men’s Olympic hockey semifinals matchup between the United States and Slovakia. Follow along for full coverage from Milan-Cortina.
MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule
4:22 p.m.: Now Martin Fehevary gets his second penalty, so the U.S. is going back to the power play.
4:21 p.m.: Slovakia is now 0-4 on the power play, as the United States penalty kill remains strong.
4:18p.m.: McAvoy commits his second penalty of the game, this time on a high stick.
4:13 p.m.: Play is back at even strength. Despite some great chances from Slovakia, the score remains 2-0.
4:10 p.m.: The power play ends when Auston Matthews is called for hooking. It will be 4-on-4 before a brief Slovakia power play.
4:09 p.m.: Slovakia takes another quick penalty, so the United States gets a second power play.
4:08 p.m.: The second period is underway, as the U.S. is looking to extend the lead.
3:48 p.m.: GOAL! Tage Thompson scores on the man advantage as he rockets one into the net.
BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT.
Tage Thompson extends the USA’s lead. pic.twitter.com/6CQUSRxdYA
3:47 p.m.: With under a minute left in the period, Jack Hughes draws a tripping penalty to send the United States to their first power play.
3:45 p.m.: Play has been a little more even of late, as both sides are going back-and-forth.
3:38 p.m.: The U.S. kills off another penalty, as Slovakia didn’t get a single shot off.
3:33 p.m.: Slovakia goes back to the power play as Zach Werenski gets called for delay of game.
3:31 p.m.: The United States got a great shorthanded chance that Samuel Hlavaj saves. Otherwise, the penalty is killed, keeping the U.S. penalty kill perfect.
3:28 p.m.: Charlie McAvoy is called for interference, sending Slovakia to the first power play today.
3:25 p.m.: The Gaudreau family flew in to support Team USA, which honors Johnny Gaudreau on the ice.
3:23 p.m.: Slovakia has had a tough time producing sustained pressure early in this one. The United States has a 7-3 shots-on-goal lead so far.
3:16 p.m.: GOAL! Dylan Larkin splits the defense and buries the first goal of the game.
Dylan Larkin wastes NO TIME. pic.twitter.com/DDjYQzLxCj
3:14 p.m.: The United States has come out energized, leading an early push in the Slovakian zone with a few good chances.
3:11 p.m.: The puck is dropped and we are underway from the second semifinal!
3:07 p.m.: We are moments away from the United States vs. Slovakia from Milan-Cortina.
2:59 p.m.: The United States is going with the white jerseys and blue pants for the game.
Locked in for the semis 🔒 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/wnYwHJafY6
2:40 p.m.: Slovaia is a surprise member of the semifinal, as the team only has six NHL players on its roster but outlasted Finland and Sweden to win Group B.
2:18 p.m.: Here are the lines for the United States today, with no real surprises.
Semifinal lines are up! 🇺🇸
T-1 hour ’til USA vs Slovakia#WinterOlympics game preview: https://t.co/gmCnt8YEAd pic.twitter.com/RkQ7QVNiou
1:56 p.m.: The United States hasn’t been to the gold medal game since 2010, when the team lost in overtime to Canada.
The U.S. takes on Slovakia in the semifinals today with a chance to advance to the gold medal game for the first time since 2010 👀
The Americans are seeking their first gold in ice hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team. pic.twitter.com/Tn3hNOABKd
1:32 p.m.: With Canada’s win over Finland, the winner of this game will play Canada on Sunday.
12:48 p.m.: Yesterday, Quinn and Jack Hughes were on hand to watch the women win gold, as their mother is part of the development staff.
Yesterday, the Hughes brothers cheered on Team USA and their mom, Ellen, as the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team won gold. Today, they’re playing for their own spot in the #WinterOlympics gold medal game.
Semifinal on deck at 3:10 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock 👀 pic.twitter.com/drriOBnwR2
MORE OLYMPIC HOCKEY NEWS:
The United States and Slovakia will face off in the semifinals at 3:10 p.m. ET on Friday, February 20. It will be the second semifinal of the day, as Canada and Finland will play earlier in the day.
NBC will have coverage of the semifinal game between the United States and Slovakia, as Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk and Brian Boucher have been calling the USA games. Additionally, fans can live stream the game on Peacock, which is covering the entire Olympics. In Canada, the game will be broadcasted on CBC and CBC Gem.
Daniel Chavkin is a Digital Content Producer for The Sporting News. A 2018 graduate from the University of Maryland, he has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and NFLTradeRumors.com.