The United States decisively defeated Slovakia 6-2 on Friday, securing a spot in the eagerly anticipated Olympic men's ice hockey final against Canada.
Goals from Dylan Larkin, Tage Thompson, Jack Eichel, and a brace from Jack Hughes, plus a late strike from Brady Tkachuk, sealed the U.S. victory. Slovakia managed two consolation goals in the final period.
With NHL players back in the Olympics after a 12-year hiatus, a North American final was widely expected. The U.S. achieved this after Canada's narrow 3-2 semi-final win over Finland. The gold medal game is set for Sunday at Santagiulia Arena.
Slovakia will compete for the bronze medal against Finland on Saturday.