Team USA comes into the match after a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Sweden, with defenseman Quinn Hughes scoring the winning goal. Slovakia, meanwhile, cruised past Germany 6-2 in their quarterfinal to secure their second consecutive Olympic semifinal appearance.
The winner of this semifinal will advance to play for the gold medal on Sunday, while the loser will compete in the bronze medal game on Saturday. Both teams have had similar rest periods entering the match.