Team USA’s Matt Boldy scores incredible goal to put team ahead against Canada in Olympic gold medal game

Tensions were high ahead of the Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey game between Team USA and Canada on Sunday and it was the Americans who had the crowd on its feet from the start.

American forward Matt Boldy received the puck at center ice. He slammed the puck forward and was able to split Canadians Devon Toews and Cale Makar. No Canadian defender could stop him.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON News

Matt Boldy of the United States slides the puck past Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington to score in the gold medal game at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Matt Boldy celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the gold medal match against Canada at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Boldy pulled the puck away and evaded Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington to score the first goal of the game. It came on Team USA’s first shot. Auston Matthews and Quinn Hughes were credited with assists.

The score had the Milan crowd buzzing and the incredible goal sparked a huge reaction on social media.

FEBRUARY 22 IS ALREADY THE BIGGEST DAY IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN HOCKEY. CAN TEAM USA ADD TO THE LEGEND?

The United States had a 1-0 lead 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 Face-Off and had a goal and two assists in the tournament last year. Canada defeated the Americans in the final of that tournament as the rivalry between the two nations was revitalized.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP

Matt Boldy (12) celebrates with Jaccob Slavin (74) and Brock Faber (14) after scoring against Canada at the Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Canada played the final with a few personnel. The team was without Sidney Crosby for the game as he suffered a lower body injury early in the Olympics.

Follow News Digital sports coverage in X and subscribe to the News Sports Huddle newsletter.