The big moment is almost here as Canada takes on Team USA in a rematch of the Four Nations Face-Off Final. However, the stakes are much higher with the Olympic gold on the line. It may be an early start with an 8:10 a.m. puck drop on the East Coast. However, hockey fans are already making plans to be up early no matter where they are.
Here’s some news and notes ahead of the big showdown on Sunday.
Team USA News and Notes
The Latest on a Key Buffalo Sabres Forward
American hockey fans were sweating bullets after Buffalo Sabres centre Tage Thompson wasn’t on the bench for the third period of the 6-2 semifinal victory over Slovakia. Thompson blocked a shot with his foot when Team USA was up 4-0 against the Slovaks.
The 28-year-old was held out of the third period for “precautionary reasons.” There was worry that the Phoenix native would be questionable for the gold medal game.
However, Thompson was a full participant for Team USA’s practice on Saturday. “Tage skated today and he looked really strong out there,” coach Mike Sullivan said. Thompson has three goals and one assist for four points in five games. Having Thompson in the lineup will be important for the Americans if they have designs on beating their rivals.
A Not-So-Eye Catching Clash
Friday’s victory for Team USA may have been pleasing to their eyes. However, hockey fans around the world may have had some moments of utter confusion due to the similar colours of the two nations.
The Americans had white sweaters with blue shoulders and blue pants. Slovakia had blue sweaters with white shoulders and blue pants.
Needless to say, there was plenty of confusion among hockey fans and media members. Both nations have red, white, and blue in their respective colour schemes. However, the IOC or IIHF should have figured out a solution.
Media members like TNT analyst Paul Bissonnette and former NFL player J.J. Watt were both vocal about the colour clash. Maybe a different color alternate is in the cards for either country for the 2030 Olympic tournament in France.
These teams are wearing the same jerseys. We might see 25 pizza’s in this game. 🇺🇸🇸🇰
— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) February 20, 2026
Pure Michigan
This tournament has been a coming out party for the state of Michigan. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has been lights out and has come up with some clutch goals. Minnesota Wild defenceman Quinn Hughes is a former University of Michigan standout and came up with the OT winner against Finland.
However, it’s not just the men’s side that’s made the state proud. Megan Keller scored the gold-medal winning goal against Canada. The Farmington Hills native is in her third season with the Boston Fleet of the PWHL.
Michigan State and Michigan are the top two teams in the men’s college hockey poll. Defending NCAA Champion Western Michigan is also ranked fourth. The Red Wings are tied with the Montreal Canadiens on 72 points for second place in the Atlantic Division.
Minnesota may be known as “The State of Hockey.” However, Michigan is having itself quite a two-week span in Milano Cortina.
Main photo by: James Lang-Imagn Images