Canada edged the United States in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off last year, a tournament that was designed to whet fans' appetite for the return of NHL players to the Winter Olympics in 2026.
A little more than a year later, the NHL-stocked 2026 Winter Olympics are down to one game, and the USA and Canada will meet again for international hockey supremacy.
Both countries, not wanting to tinker with a successful formula, have brought back most of the players from the 4 Nations. But there are some key differences in the roster and teams' statuses. Here is a look:
The mobile defenseman was hurt and couldn't play in the 4 Nations. But he has been a standout in the Olympics, playing major minutes, moving the puck and scoring in overtime against Sweden. His brother, Jack, is thriving with Quinn on the team.
The Buffalo Sabres star wasn't named to the 4 Nations but he made this year's team after helping the USA win the 2025 world championships. He has been dangerous on the power play and elsewhere because of his size, speed and stickhandling. He sat out the third period of the semifinals with an injury but will play in the gold medal game.
