Jack Hughes claims Team USA is the ‘best in the world’ ahead of Olympic gold medal clash vs. Canada
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Team USA commented on their gold medal game vs. Canada and it looks like the Americans are more than confident in their chances against their closest rivals.
It's the matchup that everyone was anticipating as Team Canada and Team Usa are set to do battle for the gold in men's hockey at the 2026 Milan Olympics.
Canada is looking for redemption as they were unable to capture women's gold after a heartbreaking loss to the US in overtime but walking away with the silver medal is still a great accomplishment.
But they are going to have their hands full as they could potentially be without Sidney Crosby, and two straight comeback wins don't bode well against an American side that had little trouble making it to the gold medal game.
American confidence all-time high ahead of anticipated gold medal game
Team USA must be riding a wave of confidence right now, and heading into Sunday's final, it seems like they are feeling as good as ever.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday's game, the US players had no issues boasting about their chances heading into the contest.
Both Jack and Quinn Hughes made statements and while the latter was a bit more neutral in his words, his younger brother was oozing confidence:
You're probably not gonna find a better hockey game. - Quinn Hughes
We believe it's the best group in the whole tournament, best group in the world. So, we're really proud Americans, and we're excited to have the chance at the gold medal.
Then it was Charlie McAvoy's turn to get some words in and he mentioned how fitting it was that the two powerhouses were set to meet for international supremacy:
We’ll be on a collision course for the finals. That was all I saw. So, you guys scripted this pretty well.
Canada vs. USA: The rivalry to end all rivalries
Last time these two met was in the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship where Canada won thanks to a late Connor McDavid winner in OT during a game fulled with tension, fights, and a lot of animosity.
With how handily the US won against Slovakia, it doesn't bode well for the Canadians especially if they can't get off to a hot start, and they can't rely on another comeback to be able to get them a win yet again.
There are several players who could be the hero for either side. Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Matthew Tkachuk can be clutch meanwhile McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mitch Marner are all going to get their shot.
Seeing the Marner and Matthews matchup yet again is also a very intriguing aspect and for Maple Leafs fans it adds just a little more excitement and tension -- do you put aside grudges and cheer Marner, or stay loyal to Matthews regardless?
Either way, Sunday morning is going to make for a history-making game and it very well could be the US' best chance at redeeming over 40 years of disappointment.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews make one thing clear about Sidney Crosby before gold
Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews make one thing clear about Sidney Crosby before gold
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 21|1263 ANSWERS Jack Hughes claims Team USA is the ‘best in the world’ ahead of Olympic gold medal clash vs. Canada Who will win the gold medal at the 2026 Olympics? | ||
| Team USA | 441 | 34.9 % |
| Team Canada | 822 | 65.1 % |
| List of polls | ||