USA Edges Canada in Thrilling Overtime Win for Gold Medal

USA men's hockey team wins gold medal at 2026 Winter Olympics

USA defeats Canada 2-1 in overtime to win gold medal at 2026 Winter Olympics. Jack Hughes scores game-winner.

The Americans scored first, but Canada's momentum began to shift halfway through the first period...

Team USA made history by defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime, claiming the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal, securing the US's first men's hockey gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.

Hughes, a New Jersey Devils forward, had an impressive tournament, with seven points (four goals, three assists) and 15 shots on goal in six games. His brother, Quinn Hughes, also contributed to the win with an overtime goal in the quarterfinals against Sweden.

The victory marks a sweep for USA Hockey, with the women's team also winning gold against Canada. President Donald Trump congratulated the team, expressing his pride in their achievement.

Connor Hellebuyck's 41 saves in the USA's victory will be remembered as one of the greatest performances of his career. His incredible goaltending helped the US men's hockey team defeat Canada 2-1 in overtime, securing their first gold medal since 1980.

The US swept hockey at the Olympics, with both the men's and women's teams winning gold against Canada. The men's team won 2-1 in overtime, with Jack Hughes scoring the winning goal, while the women's team also secured a 2-1 overtime victory.

Game Highlights

The Americans started strong, putting pressure on Canada's top line of Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini. Matthew Boldy broke the ice with a stunning goal, splitting two Canadian defenders to put the US up 1-0.

Boldy's goal was considered by some to be the goal of the Olympics. He beat Jordan Binnington with a forehand-backhand move, showcasing his skill and speed.

Canada tied the game late in the second period with a goal from Cale Makar, who shot the puck past Connor Hellebuyckm

The game went into overtime, where Jack Hughes scored the winning goal, beating Binnington with a shot through his legs. Hughes had previously lost two teeth after being high-sticked by Sam Bennett.

The US men's hockey team won their first gold medal since 1980, ending a 46-year drought. Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves, earning him praise from teammates and fans.

The Americans scored first, but Canada's momentum began to shift halfway through the first period. Despite this, Connor Hellebuyck stood tall in net for the U.S., earning praise for his stellar performance. Both teams finished the first period with eight shots on goal each, but this stat doesn't capture the intense back-and-forth action.

Canada's Shea Theodore was called for a two-minute minor hooking penalty, giving the U.S. their first power play of the game. The U.S. would go on to kill off this penalty, with Hellebuyck making some impressive saves to keep Canada at bay.

No miracle needed. 😏#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/VCDdeBgPJO

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 22, 2026

Canada had momentum heading into the second period, but the U.S. missed some scoring chances, keeping the score 1-0. Connor McDavid had a breakaway opportunity with 11 minutes left in the second, but Connor Hellebuyck made a spectacular save to deny him, showcasing his exceptional goaltending skills.

Hellebuyck's performance was crucial, as he continued to stand tall in net for the U.S., making key saves to keep Canada at bay. This wasn't an isolated incident, as Hellebuyck had been making impressive saves throughout the game, earning praise from fans and analysts alike.

Canada had a golden opportunity to score just seconds after going on the power play, and things got even more favorable when Jake Guentzel was called for holding and Charlie McAvoy for hooking, giving them a 5-3 man advantage. But Connor Hellebuyck stood tall, shutting down every Canadian shot and keeping the U.S. perfect 18-for-18 on the penalty kill in the Olympics. The pressure was intense, but Canada couldn't break through until Cale Makar scored with under two minutes left in the second period, tying the game 1-1.

Hellebuyck's performance was nothing short of spectacular, making crucial saves to keep the U.S. in the game. His heroics didn't go unnoticed, with teammates and fans alike praising his efforts. 

The U.S. had a golden opportunity to take the lead late in the third period when Canada's Sam Bennett received a four-minute double-minor penalty for high-sticking Jack Hughes. However, the momentum shifted briefly when Jack Hughes was called for a minor tripping penalty, resulting in a 4-on-4 situation for 49 seconds before Canada went on the power play with 1:10 minutes remaining. The U.S. successfully killed the power play, extending their perfect 19-for-19 penalty kill record in the Olympics.

Despite the intense pressure, neither team managed to score in the final minute of regulation, sending the game into overtime tied 1-1. The U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck played a crucial role in keeping the score level, making several impressive saves throughout the game.

Connor Hellebuyck was absolutely phenomenal in goal for Team USA, making 41 saves and putting on a goaltending clinic. But one save stood out - a desperation stick save against Devon Toews in the third period that would've given Canada the lead. Hellebuyck's heroics kept the game tied and sent it to overtime, where Jack Hughes scored the golden goal to give the US their first hockey gold medal since 1980.

They not like U.S. 🦅🇺🇸#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/NdupDUYAmk

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 22, 2026

Hellebuyck's performance was a masterclass in goalkeeping, and he was understandably named the best goalkeeper in the tournament. Hughes' game-winner was the perfect ending to an incredible tournament for Team USA, who dominated the competition with a 6-0-0 record. The US men's hockey team has finally ended their 46-year gold medal drought, and it was a moment to remember.