Team USA men’s hockey wins gold medal in overtime against Canada at Winter Olympics
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Team USA was able 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 Olympic gold medal.
Hughes scored early in overtime, getting the puck past Canadian goalie Jordan Binngton. The United States won the match, 2-1, scoring the first goal since the “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980. It also came on the 46th anniversary of the United States’ victory over the Soviet Union in the Olympic semifinal.
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Jack Hughes (86) of the United States reacts after scoring the winning goal in sudden-death overtime against Canada 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)
Jack Hughes (86) of the United States, right, 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 goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck was equally, if not more, important in the victory. He stopped 40 shots and survived attacks in the second and third periods.
Canada’s Devon Toews had a shot to bury one behind Hellebuyck, but the American goalkeeper deflected the puck. Canada’s offense improved after that as Nathan MacKinnon had a chance to score a top-notch goal and missed.
Team USA and Canada then cleared penalties for six minutes. Sam Bennett received a double minor for a high hit on Jack Hughes. But the United States could not take advantage. Hughes was then awarded his own penalty and Canada failed to score despite more great opportunities.
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Matt Boldy, left, of the United States, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Matt Boldy put the United States on the board in the first period when he slammed the puck and split Toews and Cale Makar to beat Jordan Binnington. The United States had a 1-0 lead going into the first intermission.
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Canada failed to score against the United States in a 5-on-3, but Makar scored on Hellebuyck minutes later.
American players held up Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey as they honored 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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It is the third gold medal for American men’s hockey.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor at News Digital.