Sensational goaltending keeps USA alive against dominant Canada
The United States men’s hockey team ended their Olympic gold medal drought in Milan with a thrilling victory over Canada exactly 46 years after the Miracle on Ice. Though not on the same scale as 1980, the contest felt like an underdog triumph as the Americans overcame heavy pressure from their northern rivals.
Canada outshot the US 42-28 and often controlled play more decisively than the numbers suggested. Connor Hellebuyck delivered a heroic performance in goal, stonewalling Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini on breakaways, denying Devon Toews from point-blank range with his paddle, and shutting down a dangerous five-on-three power play in the second period.
The US penalty kill finished a perfect 18-for-18 throughout the tournament. Hughes called Hellebuyck the best player on the ice by a mile and described the win as ballsy and gutsy, the essence of American hockey.
Canada dominated large stretches and frustrated the Americans, but Hellebuyck’s heroics kept the score level until sudden-death overtime decided the gold medal.
Hughes loses teeth, returns and buries seismic winner
Late in the third period with the game on a knife-edge, Jack Hughes took a stick to the face from Sam Bennett that knocked out two of his teeth. He left the ice briefly but returned almost immediately to continue playing.
Less than two minutes into overtime, Zach Werenski sent a cross-ice pass to Hughes who buried it through the five-hole for the winning goal. Werenski said he simply threw the puck to the right guy, noting Hughes had been hot all tournament.
Hughes finished with seven points, second on the team only to his brother Quinn who led with eight. The 24-year-old New Jersey Devils center had endured a turbulent year including criticism after the 4 Nations Face-Off, shoulder surgery, a thumb injury from a team dinner, and media attention for his relationship with Tate McRae.
His brother Quinn called him an animal, highlighting his mental toughness, passion for the game and ability to perform under pressure. Tage Thompson added that Hughes is built for big moments, loves the spotlight and always wants the puck on his stick.
Brock Nelson, whose uncle won gold with the 1980 team, said this would become a moment kids recreate and talk about for years.
Emotional triumph caps first NHL-involved Olympics in 12 years
Hughes said every player could be proud of the great game between USA and Canada. The victory marked the first Olympic gold for the US men’s hockey team since 1980 and the first Winter Games to feature NHL players in over a decade.
The Americans showed resilience throughout, relying on Hellebuyck’s brilliance and Hughes’ determination to seize the moment. For this group of players, breaking the golden drought delivered an unbelievable and proud moment for their country.
