After two weeks and tons of drama, the Men’s hockey tournament comes to an end, and it was everything to end the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. The gold medal game added another chapter to the rivalry between the USA and Canada. The USA women defeated Canada in overtime to claim their gold medal. On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Men’s USA team swept Canada to claim the gold as well, winning 2-1 in overtime. What stood out in another great chapter between these two hockey powerhouse rivals?
Takeaway #1: Connor Hellebuyck Shuts the Door
When it comes down to a historical performance to win the gold, look no further than Connor Hellebuyck, who helped secure the gold medal for the USA. He set a new record for the number of saves to win a gold medal by saving 41 of 42 shots against Canada. His .976 save percentage was one of the key reasons the USA was able to hold off the onslaught of shots from Canada en route to the gold.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Furthermore, his insane stick save on Devon Toews was a game-changer as well because if he had not gotten the save, who knows if this game would have gone to overtime? While the USA did lead after the first period, Canada was able to tie it in the second period. The shots were 42-28 in favor of Canada, who were just putting pressure on the Americans all game. However, Hellebuyck was able to return the favor of a loss after losing to Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off last February in overtime.
If there is one player who stood tall when needed most for the USA, look at Hellebuyck’s 41-save masterclass on the biggest stage.
Takeaway #2: Jack Hughes’ Golden Goal
While Hellebuyck was a brick wall for the USA to keep them in the game, it was the New Jersey Devils’ Jack Hughes who came away with the golden goal. Even after losing some teeth, Hughes was able to score on Jordan Binnington after some great passing by Zach Werenski. The USA was able to get numbers on a counter. Werenski was then able to draw some eyes, and that’s when he zipped it across the ice to Hughes.
On the 28th shot of the game for the USA, he was able to deliver the knockout punch to lift the States over Canada for their own golden goal moment. While Canada might have had the 2010 Vancouver Games, the USA had its moment in Milano-Cortina. Hughes finished with four goals, seven points, a plus-8, and the biggest goal of his career.
Takeaway #3: USA’s First Gold Since the 1980s Miracle Games
Not only did the USA win the gold medal, but it was also their first gold since the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, NY. Furthermore, it was on the same date that the USA defeated the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice” game. It took the USA 46 years to win the gold medal, and they were able to do it on a day that showed that the then Soviet Union was beatable on the ice.
Related: 2026 Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament Gold Medal Preview: Canada/ U.S. Rivalry Adds Another Chapter
While it was a couple of days later that the 1980 team won the gold, nonetheless, the USA Men’s team was able to reach the top of the mountain once again. Plus, for them to do it with NHLers back for the first time in 12 years was poetic. Through some close games in the quarterfinals against Sweden, the semifinals against Slovakia, and now the gold medal game against Canada, they can officially say that they are gold medal Olympians.
In the end, the USA walks home with the gold, Canada with the silver, and Finland with the bronze medal. It’s crazy to think that after over two weeks of hockey, the Winter Olympics are over. That being said, the NHL season is right around the corner, and it’ll be more chaos as the 2026 NHL Playoffs are right around the corner. Before all eyes are back on the NHL, it’s time to celebrate the USA winning the gold medal.
