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Tensions were high ahead of the Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Team USA and Canada on Sunday and it was the Americans who brought the crowd to their feet early.
American forward Matt Boldy received the puck at center ice. He moved the puck forward and was able to split Canadian defenders Devon Toews and Cale Makar. Neither Canadian defender was able to stop him.
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Matt Boldy (12) of the United States slides the puck past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) for a goal during the first period of the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, February 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
USA’s Matt Boldy, center, celebrates after scoring the first goal during a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, February 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Boldy stripped the puck and circled it past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington for the first score of the game. It happened on Team USA’s first shot. Auston Matthews and Quinn Hughes were credited with assists.
The score thrilled the Milan crowd and this incredible goal sparked many reactions on social networks.
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The United States led 1-0 after the first period.
Boldy, who plays in the NHL for the Minnesota Wild, is on the Olympic roster for the first time. He was part of Team USA in the 4 Nations showdown and had a goal and two assists in the tournament last year. Canada defeated the Americans in the final of this tournament, thus strengthening the rivalry between the two nations.
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Matt Boldy (12) of the United States celebrates with Jaccob Slavin (74) of the United States and Brock Faber (14) of the United States after scoring a goal against Canada during the first period of the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, February 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Canada played in the final a little shorthanded. The team was without Sidney Crosby for the game as he suffered a lower-body injury earlier in the Olympics.
