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Team USA managed to force overtime in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game against Canada on Sunday and Jack Hughes sent them home with a Winter Olympics gold medal.
Hughes scored early in the overtime period, putting the puck past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnton. The United States won the match 2–1, scoring the first goal since the “Miracle on Ice” team did so in 1980. This also came on the 46th anniversary of the United States’ victory over the Soviet Union in the Olympic semifinals.
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Jack Hughes (86) of the United States reacts after scoring the game-winning overtime goal against Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jack Hughes (86), right, of the United States, celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against Canada in sudden death overtime during the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
The play of American goalie Connor Hellebuyck was just as important, if not more, in the victory. He stopped 40 shots and survived the onslaughts of the second and third periods.
Canada’s Devon Toews had a shot to bury one behind Hellebuyck, but the American goaltender knocked the puck away. Canada’s offense then kicked it up a notch as Nathan MacKinnon had a chance to score a goal in the opening goal, but missed.
The United States and Canada were then given six minutes of penalties. Sam Bennett received a double minor for a high bat from Jack Hughes. But the United States could not capitalize. Hughes was then called for his own penalty and Canada was unable to score despite other good chances.
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Matt Boldy of the United States, left, 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)
Matt Boldy got the United States on the board in the first period when he hit the puck and separated Toews and Cale Makar to get past Jordan Binnington. The United States led 1-0 going into the first intermission.
Canada failed to score against the United States at 5-on-3, but Makar beat Hellebuyck a few minutes later.
American players held up Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey as they paid tribute to the late NHL star who died last year.
Team Canada players celebrate a goal by Cale Makar during the second period of the men’s ice hockey gold medal game against the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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This is the third gold medal for American men’s hockey.
