The game the hockey world wanted came down to one shot.
Jack Hughes scored in overtime to lift the United States to a 2-1 victory over Canada in the men’s hockey gold-medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
After 60 minutes of high-intensity, physical and fast-paced hockey, it was Hughes who ended it in sudden death, delivering the Americans their Olympic men’s hockey gold medal.
Canada controlled much of the game but could not capitalize on its chances.
The Americans opened the scoring in the first period when forward Matt Boldy fought through the checking of Canadian defenceman Devon Toews, walked in alone and tucked the puck past goaltender Jordan Binnington on the United States’ first shot of the game. It was Boldy’s second goal of the tournament and his fourth point.
Canada trailed 1-0 entering the second period but dominated the middle frame, outshooting the Americans 19-8.
Connor McDavid was denied on a breakaway midway through the second, and moments later Canada failed to convert on a two-man advantage after penalties to Jake Guentzel and Charlie McAvoy.
The equalizer finally came with 1:44 remaining in the second period when Cale Makar walked in off the point and beat American netminder Connor Hellebuyck on the stick side to tie the game 1-1.
Canada carried the momentum into the third period and had multiple opportunities to take the lead.
Macklin Celebrini was stopped on a breakaway five minutes into the third. Shortly after, Nathan MacKinnon missed a wide-open net in alone. Despite controlling much of the play, Canada could not find another goal.
After three periods, both teams were 0-for-2 on the power play. Canada outshot the United States 40-25 and was widely considered the better team on the night, but missed opportunities proved costly.
Team Canada was also without captain Sidney Crosby, who sustained a lower-body injury during the 4-3 overtime win over Czechia in the quarterfinal. The Cole Harbour, N.S., native finished his tournament with two goals and six points.
Both teams entered the gold-medal game unbeaten in regulation. Canada went 3-0 in the preliminary round and advanced through dramatic overtime and semifinal victories. The United States also went 3-0 before edging Sweden in overtime and defeating Slovakia in the semifinal.
In the end, it was Jack Hughes who delivered the final blow, scoring in overtime to secure gold for the Americans and deny Canada in a classic chapter of the sport’s fiercest rivalry.
