Jack Hughes’ OT Winner, Connor Hellebuyck’s Heroics Lift USA to Olympic Hockey Gold

MILAN — The United States has captured Olympic gold in men’s hockey for the first time since the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” defeating Canada 2–1 in a dramatic overtime thriller on Sunday.

Jack Hughes delivered the historic moment, scoring the golden goal less than two minutes into 3-on-3 overtime to seal victory over the Americans’ biggest rival on the sport’s grandest stage.

“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes said after the game. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”

Hughes Scores Golden Goal in Rivalry Classic

The overtime winner came after defenseman Zach Werenski stripped Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon of the puck and sent a perfect cross-ice pass to Hughes, who buried the chance past the Canadian goalie.

The victory completed a clean Olympic sweep for USA Hockey, as the American women’s team had also beaten Canada 2–1 in overtime earlier in the week.

For Team USA, which had embraced a “gold or bust” mentality entering the tournament, the triumph validated months of confidence and preparation.

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Hellebuyck Delivers a Goaltending Masterclass

While Hughes provided the finishing touch, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was the backbone of the victory.

The reigning Vezina and Hart Trophy winner stopped 41 shots, repeatedly denying Canada’s superstar lineup in critical moments.

His defining saves included:

• A paddle stop on Devon Toews late in the third period
• A breakaway denial against Connor McDavid
• Leading a penalty kill that went a perfect 18-for-18 in the tournament

“Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck,” Hughes said. “He was our best player by a mile.”

The performance also served as redemption for Hellebuyck after a difficult 2025 Stanley Cup playoff run with the Winnipeg Jets.

Emotional Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau

The celebration carried emotional weight beyond the gold medal.

U.S. captain Auston Matthews, Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk skated with the jersey of the late Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed alongside his brother in 2024. Gaudreau had been considered a strong candidate for the Olympic roster.

Team USA had honored him throughout the tournament by hanging his jersey in the locker room before every game. After the final, players brought Gaudreau’s children onto the ice for a team photo.

How the Game Unfolded

Matt Boldy gave the U.S. an early lead six minutes into the first period. Canada responded late in the second when Cale Makar tied the game after a dominant stretch that saw the Canadians outshoot the Americans 19–8 in the period.

Despite relentless pressure from Canada’s star-studded lineup — featuring McDavid, MacKinnon and Macklin Celebrini — the Americans held firm before sealing the win in overtime.

Canada was missing captain Sidney Crosby due to a lower-body injury suffered earlier in the tournament, with McDavid wearing the “C” in his absence.

Historic Win for Team USA

The gold medal marked:

• The United States’ first men’s Olympic hockey gold since 1980
• Revenge for last year’s overtime loss to Canada in the Four Nations final
• A rare best-on-best victory over Canada, the first since the 1996 World Cup

Canada entered the game as the most decorated Olympic men’s hockey nation with nine gold medals, but Team USA delivered one of the most memorable wins in its history.

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