7:30 a.m.: Can US Speedskating salvage a long track medal? The final two events of the Olympic program get started Friday. The U.S. has won at least one speed skating medal at every Olympics since 1984. The men have a realistic shot, drawing Canada in an 8:30 a.m. quarterfinal. Canada beat the U.S. for gold in 2010 but is not as strong here and, obviously, not on home ice. The U.S. will field three skaters out of a group of four each round, choosing from Chicago's Shani Davis, Glenview's Brian Hansen, Jonathan Kuck and Joey Mantia. The U.S.-Canada winner will face the South Korea-Russia winner in the semifinals at 10:13 a.m. The winner of the semifinal will be guaranteed a gold or silver medal (the final is Saturday). The loser will vie for bronze Saturday. The Netherlands, a heavy gold-medal favorite despite winning bronze in 2006 and 2010, is on the other side of the bracket. stream live here.
11 a.m.: Perhaps you've heard of the USA versus Canada matchup on Friday? This is a rematch of the 2010 Olympic gold-medal game, won by Canada on Sidney Crosby's overtime goal. This game could be just as tight. The U.S. won its first four games by a combined 14 goals. Canada has been less dominant, taking its last two games 2-1 (including one over minnow Latvia in the quarterfinals). The goalie matchup will be Jonathan Quick against Carey Price. The winner of this game is guaranteed a medal. Blackhawks include Patrick Kane for the USA and Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Duncan Keith. Watch live on the NBC Sports Network or stream live here.
