The Olympic men's hockey bracket has done something kind for Team USA. In the semifinals, the United States will take on Slovakia. On the other side, Canada plays Finland. And at least on paper, that's a distinct advantage for the United States.

MILAN — Dylan Larkin's hard work at the 2026 Winter Olympics was rewarded with as big a goal as he's scored in his career, one that delighted his USA teammates.

Team USA is one win away from playing in the gold medal game in Milan. But first they face Slovakia in the semifinals.

The same Olympic referees who are currently under fire by Czechia following the country’s 4-3 overtime loss to Canada in the Men’s Ice Hockey quarterfinal Wednesday apparently missed a call late in the third period when Czechia had six men on the ice for its then-go-ahead goal.

SportsLine expert Matt Severance reveals his Canada vs. Finland picks for the Olympics men's hockey Friday semifinal

The men's hockey semifinals are set. Here's a look at both of Friday's matchups, with Canada facing Finland and the U.S. facing Slovakia.

MILAN (AP) — Juraj Slafkovsky has been here before. He was tournament MVP in 2022 when, at 17, he led Slovakia to its first medal of any color at the Olympics with bronze in Beijing. That was without NHL participation.