The USA entered the semifinals as heavy favorites against Slovakia. And it was brief.
Slovakia couldn't hold a shutout for more than five minutes before USA's Dylan Larkin opened the scoring - and then things got rolling. By the end of the 60th minute, New Jersey star Jack Hughes had scored twice. Jack Eichel, Tage Thompson and Brady Tkachuk each scored.
Slovakia did manage to score two goals, but they never came close to threatening the Americans.
In the final, however, the USA will have a tougher nut to crack. On the other side of the ice is bitter rival Canada. The last time the countries met was in the final of the prestigious Four Nations tournament in 2025. Then Canada prevailed after extra time.
Finland awaits Slovakia in the bronze medal match.
