USA Stuns Canada 2-1 in Overtime Thriller to Claim Men’s Hockey Gold at Milano

MILAN, Italy — Jack Hughes scored the golden goal 1:41 into overtime, lifting the United States to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 22, 2026, ending a 46-year drought since the “Miracle on Ice” triumph in 1980.

The win marked the third Olympic men’s hockey gold for the United States and the first on foreign soil, capping an unbeaten run through the tournament featuring NHL stars. Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves in a heroic performance, while Hughes’ winner came on a three-on-one rush after Zach Werenski stripped Nathan MacKinnon of the puck in the right face-off circle and fed his brother Quinn Hughes, who set up Jack for a five-hole shot past Jordan Binnington.

Matt Boldy opened the scoring for the U.S. early in the first period, but Canada’s Cale Makar tied it with 1:44 left in the second on a power-play blast. The teams battled through a scoreless third period, with Hellebuyck thwarting multiple Canadian chances, including a stunning paddle save. In overtime, the 3-on-3 format favored speed, and Hughes delivered the decisive strike.

The game lived up to its billing as a classic North American rivalry showdown — the third Olympic final between the neighbors and the first since Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in Vancouver 2010. Crosby was absent for Canada due to injury, but stars like MacKinnon, Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews tested the U.S. defense throughout.

Hughes’ heroics echoed his brother Quinn’s overtime winner against Sweden in the quarterfinals. Post-game, Jack praised the team’s unity: “USA Hockey brotherhood means so much. Look at these guys. We’re such a team.” The Americans celebrated on the ice with a tribute to late teammate Johnny Gaudreau, placing his jersey amid the group as his family watched from the stands.

Canada’s silver marked heartbreak after chasing a record-extending 10th men’s hockey gold. The Canadians dominated stretches but couldn’t solve Hellebuyck, who earned tournament MVP honors with his 41-save effort.

The victory capped a memorable tournament — the first with NHL players since Sochi 2014 — delivering star power and intense hockey. The U.S. finished unbeaten, defeating strong opponents en route to gold.

Highlights of the game, including Hughes’ winner and Hellebuyck’s saves, quickly circulated online. NBC Sports, CBS Sports and the NHL Network broadcast the match, with clips amassing millions of views. Fans celebrated the “new Miracle,” with social media flooded by tributes to the 1980 team and praise for the current squad.

The result also completed a U.S. sweep in hockey, as the women’s team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime for gold days earlier. For Canada, the loss stung deeply, ending hopes of reclaiming supremacy.

As the Milano Cortina Games conclude, the men’s final stands as one of the tournament’s defining moments — a tense, skillful battle decided by a clutch goal from a rising star. Hughes’ finish not only secured gold but etched another chapter in the storied USA-Canada rivalry.