On February 22, 1980, the United States of America stunned the hockey world by defeating the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, New York. Two days later, the Americans finished the job and claimed the gold. That is the last time that the Americans have experienced the elation of winning a gold medal in men's hockey. It's a feeling all too familiar for Team Canada.
It'll be 16 years next Saturday since Sidney Crosby's golden goal in Vancouver, the last time the United States even played for the gold. When Canada beat the United States in 2010, Jaccob Slavin was still two years away from being drafted by the Hurricanes. Seth Jarvis was only eight years old. Suffice it to say, both have come a long way since then.
After going years without best-on-best hockey, the 4 Nations Face-Off was akin to an appetizer, preparing us for the main course, which we'll see on Sunday. Slavin might've been the talk of the town with his performances against Canada in both meetings, but it was Jarvis and the Canadians getting the last laugh, winning in overtime on a Connor McDavid goal.
The unstoppable force meets the immoveable object for the gold
For the duration of the Winter Olympics, the United States and Canada have been the two best teams, and it hasn't been particularly close. Both teams won all three group games in regulation. They each won their quarterfinal game in overtime. The big difference was their work in the semifinals. Canada needed a comeback to beat Finland, while the U.S. dominated Slovakia.
They're the two highest-scoring teams in the tournament, with Canada scoring three more goals than the Americans. This feels like a game that could be won or lost on special teams. Team Canada has been lethal on the power play, operating at 43.8 percent (7-for-16). However, the United States is yet to concede a power-play goal, denying all 15 chances it has allowed.
The goalie battle is expected to be between Jordan Binnington and Connor Hellebuyck, and the two are plenty familiar with one another. They were each in the net for last February's 4 Nations championship game. Along with being division rivals during the season, the Jets and the Blues faced off in the first round in April, with Hellebuyck prevailing in seven games.
There's no guarantee that Jarvis plays, while Slavin might play a lot
After sitting out for the opener, Seth Jarvis has seen the ice in each contest since. He has the same offensive output as he had during the 4 Nations, picking up an assist on Canada's game-tying goal in the quarterfinals against Czechia. His ice time hasn't been outstanding, averaging just 10 minutes per game, spending most of his time on the fourth line or as the 13th forward.
We've yet to see Jaccob Slavin play at the same level that we saw at the 4 Nations. Then again, it hasn't really been needed. The Americans have only played two close games in the tournament, against Denmark and Sweden. `Plus, having Quinn Hughes available makes a big difference. Still, Slavin has an assist in Milan, so that's good, too.
Who else we're watching (other than Jarvis and Slavin)
Macklin Celebrini (CAN): First overall picks have been tearing it up at the tournament, but one of the biggest surprises has been Celebrini. It's not surprising that he's playing well because he has been doing so all season, but the dominance he has displayed at times has been insane. Celebrini leads the tournament with five goals, and he's second to Connor McDavid with ten points.
Jack Hughes (USA): A lot has been made of the brotherly theme on the American roster, with the Hughes brothers playing a central part in it. The middle brother, Jack, trails only older brother Quinn in points on the team and is tied for the team lead with three goals, including a pair against Slovakia on Friday. He's playing lightyears better than he did at the 4 Nations.
Canada wins the gold if...
Their top players, namely McDavid, Celebrini, MacKinnon, and Makar, take over the game and make the Americans' defense look silly. Binnington will need another incredible start in the net, continuing the narrative about him being clutch in big moments. If the Americans take too many penalties, this power play will make them pay. Canada has all of the ingredients to get the job done again.
The United States wins the gold if...
Their scoring depth has one more great game in it. The top guys have played like it, but the United States is getting help from everyone on the roster to find offense. They must find a way to limit the amount of damage Canada's offense does because I'm not convinced there is any way to really shut it down. Lastly, Hellebuyck needs to be out of his mind, putting in his best performance to date.