The greatest rivalry in winter sports reignites today in Milan with massive Olympic implications. Team USA and Canada collide in a heavyweight group stage battle that feels more like a gold medal preview than a preliminary round match.
Fans across the globe are scrambling to find the best way to witness this historic chapter unfold at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. The stakes could not be higher as both powerhouses look to secure the top seed in the medal round.
Essential Viewing Details for Today
The puck drops this afternoon in what promises to be the most watched event of the Winter Games so far. NBC Universal provides comprehensive coverage for American viewers through traditional cable and digital platforms.
Here is everything you need to know to catch the action:
- Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
- Faceoff Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: USA Network
- Live Stream: Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports App
- Streaming Services: DIRECTV Stream (free trial), Sling TV
Accessing the game is straightforward for cord cutters. Peacock Premium is the most direct way to stream every minute of the action live. Viewers can also use services like FuboTV or Hulu + Live TV if they carry the USA Network in their local package.
Make sure to log in at least ten minutes before the scheduled start time. Olympic broadcasts often begin with crucial pre game analysis and lineup announcements that you will not want to miss.
Team USA Brings Unbeaten Streak to Milan
The Americans enter this contest playing some of the most dominant hockey in the tournament’s history. They rolled through the first three games of Group A with a perfect 3-0 record.
Team USA by the numbers:
| Statistic | Current Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 3-0 |
| Goals For | 15 |
| Goals Against | 1 |
| Goal Differential | +14 |
Their offense is firing on all cylinders.
The team is coming off a suffocating 5-0 victory over Switzerland on Monday. Defender Caroline Harvey continues to be a catalyst from the blue line. She tallied one goal and two assists in the win against the Swiss.
Goaltending remains a massive strength for the United States. Gwyneth Philips posted a 20 save shutout in her last outing. Her confidence in the net gives the American forwards freedom to take risks and apply pressure deep in the offensive zone.
Joy Dunne is another name to watch.
The dynamic forward faces her biggest test yet against the Canadian defense. Her speed and physical play style match up well against the rival’s heavy checking system.
Canada Adjusts Lineup Without Captain Poulin
The biggest story heading into this matchup is who will not be on the ice. Hockey Canada confirmed a significant roster change that shifts the odds.
Captain Marie-Philip Poulin will not play today.
The legendary forward left Monday’s game early and is listed as day to day with a lower body injury. Her absence leaves a massive void in leadership and clutch scoring ability.
Canada still boasts a lethal lineup despite the loss.
They currently sit at 2-0 in group play. Their path included a 4-0 shutout of Switzerland and a convincing 5-1 win over Czechia.
Key players stepping up:
- Julia Gosling: A powerful presence who must drive the offense.
- Sarah Fillier: The sharpshooter needs to test the American goaltender early.
The Canadian power play remains dangerous.
Even without Poulin, their special teams unit moves the puck with elite precision. They will look to exploit any discipline issues from the American side to keep the game close.
Why This Preliminary Game Matters
Group play games usually carry less weight, but this is different. This specific matchup determines the seeding for the knockout stage.
Securing the top spot provides an easier path to the gold medal final.
Neither team wants to face a difficult semifinal opponent. A win today guarantees psychological dominance heading into the medal rounds.
This is also about pride.
These two nations have met in almost every major final for the last three decades. Every game between them writes a new page in the history books of women’s sports.
“There is no such thing as a friendly game between the US and Canada. Every time we step on that ice, we are playing for the jersey and the history behind it.”
Expect physical play from the opening whistle.
The intensity in Milan will rival any Game 7 atmosphere. Both squads know that a victory today sends a message to the rest of the Olympic field.
We will find out if the United States can exploit the injury plagued Canadian roster. Or perhaps Canada will rally around their missing captain to pull off an emotional upset.
