Winter Olympics: USA thrash Slovakia to set up Canada gold medal final

Jack Hughes scored twice as the United States thrashed Slovakia 6-2 to reach the Olympic men’s hockey final, setting up a tantalising showdown with Canada.

The Americans produced a dominant display in Milan to secure their place in Sunday’s showpiece event.

Mike Sullivan’s side will now face fierce rivals Canada for the title, a year after the two nations clashed memorably at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Dominant display in Milan

Unlike their quarter-final scare against Sweden which required overtime, this semi-final was a comfortable procession for the US.

Hughes, the New Jersey Devils forward, delivered a highlight-reel individual effort as part of his brace.

Dylan Larkin, Jack Eichel and Tage Thompson also found the net, scoring four goals on just 23 shots to chase Slovakian netminder Samuel Hlavaj from the game.

Brady Tkachuk added further gloss to the scoreline with a breakaway goal inside the final nine minutes to seal the rout.

At the other end, Connor Hellebuyck continued his stellar tournament form between the pipes.

The Winnipeg Jets goaltender has fully justified Sullivan’s decision to select him as the starter over Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman.

Injury concerns ahead of final

There was a sour note for the victors, however, as Thompson was forced to exit the game in the second period.

The Buffalo Sabres forward blocked a shot and did not return, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday’s gold medal match.

Their opponents Canada, who rallied to beat Finland earlier in the day, have their own fitness worries regarding captain Sidney Crosby.

Sunday’s meeting will be the first Olympic final between the North American heavyweights since Canada’s overtime victory in Vancouver in 2010.

Slovakia, having made an improbable run to the semi-finals, will face Finland for the bronze medal on Saturday.