Gold Medal Game Re-Match: USA-Switzerland at 2:20 p.m. ET ZURICH, Switzerland – The U.S. Men’s National Team will face Switzerland in a rematch of last year’s gold-medal game as the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship opens with a showdown at 2:20 p.m. ET on NHL Network. The matchup, set against the host nation, marks the 29th meeting between the two teams in the men’s world championships, with the U.S. holding a 17-1-1-8-1 (wins, overtime wins, overtime losses, losses, ties) record. The Americans have won four of the last five encounters in the series, including a 1-0 overtime victory in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2025, where Tage Thompson scored the decisive goal. Head coach Don Granato expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, stating, “We’re excited to get going and know we’re facing an excellent Swiss team. It’s been fun to see how our group has come together in a short period of time and we look forward to the challenge ahead.” The U.S. squad, which includes 12 first or second-round NHL Draft picks, boasts over 5,000 combined NHL games of experience and seven players with prior World Championship appearances. Notable veterans like Mason Lohrei and Isaac Howard, both part of the 2025 gold medal-winning team, add depth to the roster. The team’s preparation included a single pre-tournament game against Germany, which ended in a 5-2 victory. The U.S. utilized five different goal scorers in the win, showcasing versatility. Justin Faulk, the team’s captain, leads the squad in his fourth World Championship appearance, having earned two bronze medals in the event. Faulk, also a member of the 2014 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, is joined by alternate captains Ryan Lindgren and Mathieu Olivier. Goalie depth is another strength, with three netminders on the roster.#tage_thompson #switzerland #don_granato #usa_men_s_national_team #iihf_men_s_world_championship
Buffalo Sabres vs. Anaheim Ducks: Game Preview and Analysis The Buffalo Sabres aim to extend their recent success on the road as they face the Anaheim Ducks in Game #71 of the 2024 NHL season. The matchup, set for 8:00 pm ET at Honda Center in Anaheim, California, pits two teams with contrasting styles against each other. The Sabres, currently sitting at 44-20-6, enter the game on a positive note after a strong stretch of play since December, while the Ducks, with a 38-27-4 record, remain a formidable presence in the Pacific Division. The Ducks, ranked first in their division, have shown resilience despite their league-worst power-play efficiency. Their 16.8% success rate on the man-advantage ranks 27th, but their strong 5-on-5 play has kept them competitive. The team’s ability to maintain a high volume of shots—30.2 per game—has made them a dangerous opponent, particularly when they’re ahead. The Sabres, meanwhile, have thrived in late-game scenarios, with a 20.7% power-play success rate that ranks 16th in the league. Both teams boast similar shooting percentages when trailing, at 54.5%, which suggests the game could be tightly contested. The Sabres’ recent performance has been marked by patience and adaptability. Over their last 41 games, they’ve secured 33 victories, with a notable 11 wins in their last 12 road contests. Head coach Don Granato has emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in games where the team hasn’t established an early lead. The Sabres have relied on timely saves and a potent offense to close out games, but they’ll need to replicate that strategy against a Ducks team that has proven capable of mounting late rallies. The Ducks, despite their league-worst power-play, have shown they can overcome deficits. Their 5-on-5 play has been a key factor in their success, with a 51.#anaheim_ducks #buffalo_sabres #tage_thompson #honda_center #don_granato
