The USA-Canada matchup in the 2026 Winter Olympics gold-medal game is the same one as the final of last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
Canada won that game 3-2 in overtime. But will that happen this time?
Both teams are 5-0 in the Olympics. Both teams had to win in overtime in the quarterfinals to advance. Both are loaded with NHL scorers. Both have a physical presence. Both are getting excellent goaltending.
How will it all shake out when the puck drops at 8:10 a.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)?
USA TODAY Network staffers offer their predictions:
Mike Brehm, USA TODAY
Canada 3, USA 2 (OT): That has been the score of the 4 Nations final and the 2010 Olympics gold medal game. These teams are so evenly matched that overtime seems inevitable. Canada’s high-end talent makes the difference.
Jace Evans, USA TODAY
Canada 4, USA 2: I want to believe. I really do. But I can’t get over the fact Canada just has better players. Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and emerging star Macklin Celebrini will be the difference.
Helene St. James, USA TODAY
USA 4, Canada 2: The USA is healthier than Canada, where even if he’s in the lineup, Sidney Crosby will be playing hurt. One could argue Canada has had the tougher path, with Czechia and Finland in elimination games, but Sweden gave the USA a push in the quarters, and the USA played its best game in routing Slovakia in the semis. The USA seems looser, and looks poised to bring an Olympic gold medal home for the first time since 1980.