Jack Hughes‘ overtime goal led Team USA to a win against arch rival Canada in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey gold medal game on Sunday (February 22).
Hughes, 24, of the New Jersey Devils, scored 1:41 seconds into 3-on-3 sudden death overtime to give the Americans their first gold medal in Olympic play since the ‘Miracle on Ice’ team at the 1980 Lake Placid Games. Jack’s brother Quinn was responsible for Team USA’s game-winning overtime goal in the quarterfinals two games prior.
Team USA jumped out to an early lead with Matt Boldy scoring six minutes into the game with a goal assisted by Auston Matthews and Quinn Hughes. Canada’s Cale Makar answered with a second period goal assisted by Devon Toews, who was later stopped by Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck on a would-be go ahead goal in the third period.
Hughes was called for a penalty with less than four minutes in regulation, with Team USA fending off the Canadian power play just before time expired. The Americans defeated Canada despite a 42-28 shots on goal disparity, with Hellebuyck recording 41 saves.
Team USA honored late former teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who killed by a drunk driver in August 2024, by holding up his jersey on the ice after the winning goal with his family in attendance. Canada was without captain Sidney Crosby, who suffered a lower-body injury during the quarterfinals against Czechia.
The Americans avenged a loss to Canada in the 4 Nationals Face-Off final last February, as well losses in the 2002 Salt Lake City and 2010 Vancouver Olympic gold medal games.
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