The men’s Olympic ice hockey tournament is down to four teams as Team USA is getting ready for its semifinal game.
The United States defeated Sweden in overtime in the quarters, after Sweden tied the game late. USA has continued to play at 3:10 p.m. ET as they look to advance to the gold medal game.
Here is everything you need to know about the line combinations and starting goalies for both teams.
Team USA Line Combinations
Head coach Mike Sullivan remained with the same lines for the first two games, but after Kyle Connor’s struggles, he was scratched for Clayton Keller.
Team USA forward lines:
- B. Tkachuk – Eichel – M. Tkachuk
- Guentzel – Matthews – Boldy
- Keller – Larkin – Thompson
- J. Hughes – Nelson – Miller
- Trocheck
The United States has been dominant this tournament, but it did have a scare against Sweden. The offense will need to pick it up against Slovakia, which has played well this tournament.
“It was a great hockey game and I could not be more proud of our guys,” said Sullivan postgame. “We beat an excellent hockey team in Sweden. We’ll enjoy tonight, and then turn our attention to Slovakia.”
Team USA defense lines:
- Q. Hughes – McAvoy
- Slavin – Faber
- Sanderson – Werenski
- Hanifin
The United States has yet to make a change to its blue line, and that won’t happen unless an injury happens. Team USA’s blue line is an area of strength, and Quinn Hughes showed why scoring the OT winner against Sweden.
“Give it to Quinn. That is usually the game plan when he is out there,” United States forward Matt Boldy said.
Brady Tkachuk echoed those comments about the elder Hughes.
“That was one of the best feelings I have ever had,” Tkachuk said. “Just the relief of scoring that goal and seeing it was (Quinn). That shows why he is one of the best defensemen in the world.”
If the USA is going to advance to the gold medal game, the blue line will once again need to be difference-makers.
Who is Team USA’s Starting Goalie?
Connor Hellebuyck will remain in the net for Team USA as it’s his net for here on out.
Hellebuyck is one of the best goalies in the world, as last season, he won the Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy as the best goalie and the MVP of the NHL.
Hellebuyck is 3-0-0 with a 0.98 GAA and a .958 SV% as he’s been dominant in the Olympics.
Jake Oettinger will remain the backup for Team USA, as Jeremy Swayman has been scratched as the third goalie.
Slovakia Lines
Slovakia won Group B and cruised to a win over Germany in the quarters to advance to the semis.
The Slovaks should remain with the same lineup as they did in the quarters.
Slovakia forward lines:
- Slafkovsky – Ruzicka – Tatar
- Okullar – Dvorsky – Hudacek
- Kelemen – Pospisil – Regenda
- Liska – Sukel – Takac
- Singel
Slovakia defense lines:
- Fehervary – Nemec
- Gernat – Cernak
- Marincin – Ceresnak
- Koch
Goalies:
- Hlavaj
- Skorvanek
Team USA is a massive -625 favorite to defeat Slovakia in the semis and is -2.5 on the puck line.
USA vs Slovakia Line Combinations & Starting Goalies Revealed