USA Defeats Canada 2‑1 in Overtime, Securing First Men’s Hockey Gold Since 1980
Updated (45 articles)
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Image: Newsweek8 Feb 2002: Captain Mike Eruzione and other members of the 1980 gold medal-winning USA men’s hockey team hold up the torch before lighting the Olympic flame at the Opening Ceremony of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games at the Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images Source Full size -
Image: NewsweekNathan MacKinnon #29 of Canada celebrates his goal with Sam Reinhart #13 of Canada during the Men’s Semifinal match between Canada and Finland on day fourteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Source Full size -
Image: NewsweekGold medalists Quinn Hughes #43 and Jack Hughes #86 of Team United States celebrate after the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Source Full size -
Image: Newsweek8 Feb 2002: Captain Mike Eruzione and other members of the 1980 gold medal-winning USA men’s hockey team hold up the torch before lighting the Olympic flame at the Opening Ceremony of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games at the Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images Source Full size
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Image: NewsweekGold medalists Quinn Hughes #43 and Jack Hughes #86 of Team United States celebrate after the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Source Full size
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Image: NewsweekNathan MacKinnon #29 of Canada celebrates his goal with Sam Reinhart #13 of Canada during the Men’s Semifinal match between Canada and Finland on day fourteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Source Full size
Overtime Victory Ends 46‑Year Drought On Feb 22, 2026, the United States beat Canada 2‑1 in sudden‑death three‑on‑three overtime at the Milano‑Cortina Games, delivering the nation’s first men’s hockey gold since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” Jack Hughes scored the winner early in overtime—reports list the timing as 1:41, 1:58, or 101 seconds—after a rush set up by Zach Werenski. The goal gave the U.S. a 2‑1 final margin and ended a 46‑year gold‑medal drought[1][3][5][8].
Connor Hellebuyck’s 41‑Save Performance Secures Win Veteran goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 41 of 42 Canadian shots, finishing the tournament with 131 saves on 137 attempts and making a crucial third‑period stop on Devon Toews. His performance was described as “unreal” and MVP‑level by teammates and analysts. Hellebuyck’s dominance anchored the U.S. defense throughout the final and the entire Olympics[1][5][8].
Injuries, Tributes and Roster Strategy Highlight Game Hughes suffered a high‑stick that knocked out one or two front teeth during overtime but remained on the ice to celebrate the win. The team honored late teammate Johnny Gaudreau by wearing his No. 13 jersey and carrying it around the ice, with his family in attendance. Coach Mike Sullivan and GM Bill Guerin built a roster largely from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program—23 of 25 players—silencing earlier criticism, while Canada played without injured captain Sidney Crosby[3][4][5][8].
USA’s Overall Olympic Success Complements Hockey Gold The United States finished second overall in the medal table with 33 medals (12 gold, 12 silver, 9 bronze), behind Norway’s 41 medals. The hockey gold marked the third U.S. men’s title and the first won on foreign soil, while the return of active NHL players after a 12‑year hiatus raised the competition level across the Games[2][5][6][8].
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: USA Men’s Hockey Wins First Olympic Gold Since 1980: Details the 2‑1 overtime win, Hughes’ goal, Hellebuyck’s 41 saves, Mike Eruzione’s tweet, and fan celebrations.
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Newsweek: USA Wins First Men’s Hockey Gold Since 1980, Fans React: Adds fan commentary, overall medal table (Norway first, USA second), and Netherlands ranking.
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King5: Jack Hughes’ Overtime Goal Gives USA First Men’s Olympic Hockey Gold Since 1980: Highlights Hughes’ dental injury, Gaudreau tribute, roster built on NTDP, and Crosby’s absence.
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King5: Hughes nets overtime winner as U.S. claims first men’s Olympic hockey gold since 1980: Reiterates OT goal timing, Hellebuyck’s near‑perfect save record, and the same injury and tribute details.
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AP: U.S. Men’s Hockey Wins First Olympic Gold in 46 Years: Emphasizes first overseas gold, NHL players’ return, and veteran quotes comparing Hellebuyck to 1980 goalie Jimmy Craig.
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King5: USA caps record‑breaking Winter Games with 33 medals, second overall: Provides overall U.S. medal count, other golds (mixed aerials, speed skating, monobob), and context of hockey gold.
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King5: USA clinches men’s hockey gold, beating Canada 2‑1 in overtime: Notes three‑on‑three OT format, Matt Boldy’s early goal, Canada’s penalty‑kill record, and Gaudreau tribute.
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BBC: U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey Wins First Olympic Gold in 46 Years: Reports 101‑second OT winner, Hellebuyck’s key saves, Crosby’s injury, and White House eagle tweet.
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CNN: Team USA Looks to Replicate 1980 Miracle on Ice as Olympic Final Approaches: Provides historical context, 1980 documentary, and anticipation of the final.
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Newsweek: USA vs Canada Olympic Gold Medal Game Marred by Cheating Allegations: Covers pre‑final rivalry, Finnish cheating claim, Tkachuk’s comments, and game start time.
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AP: U.S. and Canada Set for Olympic Hockey Gold Showdown Sunday: Lists team stats, undefeated records, and Crosby’s injury uncertainty.
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King5: U.S. and Canada set to battle for men’s hockey gold at Milan‑Cortina: Gives broadcast details, Crosby out, McDavid captaincy, brother duos, and betting odds.
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King5: U.S. and Canada set to battle for men’s hockey gold at Milan‑Cortina 2026: Mirrors previous preview with emphasis on NHL return and historical gold counts.
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AP: U.S. and Canada Advance to Men’s Hockey Final at Milan 2026 Olympics: Summarizes semifinal victories, goal scorers, and a fight involving the Tkachuk brothers.
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CNN: USA Advances to Gold‑Medal Hockey Showdown as Alex Ferreira Wins Freeski Gold: Highlights semifinal win, freeski gold, medal table snapshot, IOC comment, and Matthews’ quote.
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AP: U.S. Beats Slovakia 6-2, Sets Up Gold‑Medal Clash With Canada: Details semifinal scoring, Werenski’s quote, Hellebuyck’s start, and Thompson’s precautionary benching.
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CNN: USA advances to Olympic men’s hockey final, Canada wins dramatic semifinal: Covers both semifinals, freeski gold, and other sport highlights.
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WBNS: USA Beats Slovakia 6-2, Advances to Olympic Gold Medal Game vs Canada: Notes perfect 12‑for‑12 penalty kill, shot dominance, and scoring surge.
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King5: USA Men’s Hockey Beats Slovakia 6-2, Secures Olympic Gold‑Medal Spot: Provides goal breakdown, penalty‑kill record, and Canada’s semifinal win.
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BBC: Canada‑USA Men’s Ice Hockey Final Sets Up Historic Olympic Showdown: Pre‑final preview, Canada’s chase for 10th gold, Crosby injury, arena concerns, and political overtones.
Videos (1)
Timeline
1960 – The United States wins its first Olympic men’s ice‑hockey gold in Squaw Valley, establishing an early legacy that later frames the 2026 triumph [9].
1980 – The “Miracle on Ice” sees a roster of amateur U.S. players defeat the dominant Soviet Union in Lake Placid, a Cold‑War upset that becomes the benchmark for the 2026 team [4][6][9].
1998 – Women’s ice‑hockey debuts at the Winter Olympics, launching a rivalry in which the United States and Canada meet in every final except 2006 [30].
2014 – Canada captures its most recent men’s Olympic gold, a title the United States seeks to reclaim after a 46‑year drought [2].
2018 – The United States wins its first women’s Olympic gold since Pyeongchang, ending a decade‑long Canadian dominance [3].
2022 – Canada secures the women’s gold, marking its fifth title and setting the stage for a seventh U.S.–Canada showdown in 2026 [30].
2025 – A Four Nations match erupts into three fights in the first nine seconds, heightening tensions that spill into the 2026 U.S.–Canada final [2].
Feb 6‑22, 2026 – The Milan‑Cortina Winter Games run, featuring the first Olympic ice‑hockey tournament with active NHL players since 2014 [3].
Feb 16, 2026 – Organizers announce that the United States and Canada will meet for women’s gold on Feb 19, the seventh such final since 1998 [30].
Feb 17, 2026 – Quarter‑final matchups are set: the United States will face Sweden and Canada will play Czechia, confirming the knockout path for both teams [25].
Feb 18, 2026 – The United States defeats Sweden 2‑1 in overtime, while Canada beats Czechia 82 seconds into OT, sending both North‑American powers to the semifinals [23].
Feb 18, 2026 – NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time in 12 years, raising the competition level and drawing global attention [24][28].
Feb 19, 2026 – The United States women win gold 2‑1 in overtime over Canada; Megan Keller scores the sudden‑death winner and the team caps a dominant 31‑1 goal differential [3][19][20].
Feb 19, 2026 – Hilary Knight ties then breaks the U.S. women’s Olympic goal record, becoming the all‑time leader with her late‑period tally [21].
Feb 19, 2026 – The U.S. women post five consecutive shutouts, extending a 331‑minute‑23‑second streak and underscoring defensive supremacy [22].
Feb 20, 2026 – The United States beats Slovakia 6‑2 in the men’s semifinal, securing a gold‑medal clash with Canada; Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel and Brady Tkachuk each score [13][15][16].
Feb 20, 2026 – Canada edges Finland 3‑2 in the other semifinal, with Nathan MacKinnon netting a last‑minute goal to force the U.S.‑Canada final [2][14].
Feb 20, 2026 – IOC president Kirsty Coventry announces that the IOC will review an IOC member’s attendance at President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” meeting, linking sport governance to politics [5].
Feb 21, 2026 – Team USA draws inspiration from the 1980 Miracle, as the Netflix documentary “Miracle: The Boys of ’80” releases and former player Jack O’Callahan reflects on the historic underdog story [4].
Feb 21, 2026 – Dylan Larkin says he has imagined a U.S.–Canada gold clash for a year, recalling the 4‑Nations Face‑Off loss as motivation [11].
Feb 21, 2026 – Captain Auston Matthews tells NBC that the upcoming USA‑Canada final will require a “full‑team effort,” expressing confidence after the 6‑2 semifinal win [5].
Feb 21, 2026 – President Donald Trump signals a possible appearance at the closing ceremony, prompting analysts to label the event a “political cauldron” [2].
Feb 22, 2026 – The United States men win 2‑1 in overtime over Canada; Jack Hughes scores 1:41 into the extra period and Connor Hellebuyck makes 41 saves, ending a 46‑year gold drought [1][6][8][9].
Feb 22, 2026 – 1980 captain Mike Eruzione posts a celebratory X message linking the historic “Miracle on Ice” to the 2026 victory, highlighting the continuity of U.S. hockey greatness [6].
Feb 22, 2026 – The White House X account shares an image of a bald eagle attacking a Canada goose, FBI director Kash Patel visits the locker room, and President Trump sends a video congratulating the team [1].
Feb 22, 2026 – The United States finishes second overall in the medal table with 33 medals (12 gold, 12 silver, 9 bronze), while Norway leads with 41 medals [10][7].
Feb 22, 2026 – Hilary Knight and ice‑dance champion Evan Bates serve as U.S. flag bearers at the closing ceremony in Verona’s ancient Roman Arena [18].
Feb 23, 2026 – Fans react to Hughes’ overtime goal: some hail it as “absolutely legendary,” while others call it “the worst goal ever,” reflecting the polarized view of the historic moment [7].
Feb 24, 2026 – Defenseman Charlie McAvoy likens Hellebuyck’s performance to 1980 goalie Jimmy Craig, emphasizing the historic resonance of the 2026 win [6].
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USA Defeats Canada in Overtime, Securing First Olympic Men’s Hockey Gold Since 1980
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