The USA vs Canada hockey gold medal game promises to be one for the ages as Team USA captain Brady Tkachuk did not mince words about the fierce rivalry: There's hatred there. On the eve of the biggest international hockey game in decades, emotions are running high with Olympic gold on the line.

46 Years of Waiting

The United States men have not won Olympic gold since the 1980 Miracle on Ice - 46 years of near-misses and heartbreak. For a generation of American hockey players who grew up watching NHL stars miss the 2018 and 2022 Games, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

It's been 46 years, Tkachuk told ESPN. So many players that have paved the way for us that haven't had a chance to win gold for us, that for our dream to be right there. It's something that we're not taking lightly. The USA vs Canada hockey rivalry has defined international competition for decades, with Canada consistently coming out on top.

The U.S. men have not defeated Canada in a best-on-best competition since the 1996 World Cup of Hockey - featuring Tkachuk's father, Keith. That was before many current American players were even born. While Team USA defeated Canada in last year's 4 Nations round-robin stage, the Canadians won the final 2-1 in overtime.

Gold or Bust Mentality

Tkachuk and his teammates have embraced a gold or bust mantra throughout the tournament. Anything less than Olympic gold would be considered failure for a team stacked with NHL talent including Clayton Keller, Tage Thompson, and Jeremy Swayman.

I mean, we were one shot away last year, and sometimes you got to go through that adversity, that sadness, those tough times for the good times to feel even better, Tkachuk said. It was definitely a tough couple days, couple weeks, months after that game. And I know I don't want to feel like that ever again.

The USA vs Canada hockey matchup represents more than just a game - it's about national pride, decades of history, and proving that American hockey has reached the same elite level as their northern neighbors.

Canada's Star Power

Canada brings overwhelming firepower to the USA vs Canada hockey showdown. Their power play has been dynamite, going 6-for-17 in the tournament. Their top unit features three of the top four scorers in the NHL this season: Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Sam Reinhart, plus reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar.

Sidney Crosby, the heartbeat of Canadian hockey for nearly two decades, is considered a game-time decision after missing the semifinal with a lower-body injury. His presence would add championship experience to a team already loaded with talent.

Vincent Trocheck, who has helped the Americans go a perfect 15-for-15 on the penalty kill, expects a war. It's going to be a hard-fought battle. I mean, we saw it last year at the 4 Nations. It's going to be similar to that. Very tight checking. Obviously they have a lot of the best players in the world.

The Date Adds Drama

There's poetic symmetry to the USA vs Canada hockey final being held on February 22 - the same date as the 1980 Miracle on Ice game against the USSR. American hockey fans are hoping history repeats itself with another improbable victory.

I mean, it's as good as it gets, right? Trocheck said. This is what everybody has been waiting for. This is best on best hockey on the world stage, playing for a gold medal. I mean, you can't really dream it up any better than this.

The United States women have already done their part, winning Olympic gold on Thursday. Now the men have a chance to complete the sweep - but they'll have to go through Canada to do it. The USA vs Canada hockey rivalry is about to write its next chapter.

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