Milan-Cortina 2026 has been one of the most eventful Winter Olympics in history – in sporting and political terms – so it is appropriate that the final medal event could be the most enticing of all.

Canada and United States have been the two best teams in the men's ice hockey competition, and they will duke it out at Milano Santagiulia Arena on Sunday at 13.10 GMT.

For two of the most storied nations in the sport, however, they have very different Olympic histories.

Canada are aiming to be the first nation to earn 10 men's ice hockey gold medals, most recently winning the title in 2014.

USA meanwhile have not claimed the men's title since 1980 - the 'Miracle on Ice' triumph over Soviet Union in Lake Placid – and have not beaten Canada in a men's final since 1960.

Canada have beaten the American men in their past two Olympic final meetings - Salt Lake City 2002 and Vancouver 2010. But the USA are looking for a double in Milan after their women's side defeated the Canadians on Thursday.

The two teams did not have a totally smooth skate to this point. Both needed overtime to win their quarter-finals, while Canada had to come from 2-0 down to beat Finland 3-2 in Friday's semi-final on Friday, scoring the winner with 35 seconds on the clock.

The Canadians also have fitness issues. They could be without captain Sidney Crosby, who was forced off in their last eight win over Czech Republic with a knee injury and missed the Finland semi. Canada are hopeful to have him for Sunday, but he certainly will not be 100% fit.

The squad has also been afflicted by a sickness bug, which dramatically revealed itself in the quarter-final when Nathan MacKinnon threw up while sat on the bench.

But even when impacted by injury and illness, Canada still have the strongest team.

"In Connor McDavid you have the best player on the planet by a million miles," ice hockey commentator Seth Bennett told BBC Sport. "He was averaging three points a game going into semi-finals.

"McKinnon is another superstar offensive player. Defensively, Cale Makar is the best defenceman in the world and a gamechanger. All will be judged against him.

"You mix them up and it's like if you have a computer game and you put all the best players on one team."

They also have some of the best up-and-coming talents in the game, such as 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini who has already scored the most points by a teenager in an Olympic competition. (BBC)

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