Team USA defeated Team Canada 2-1 in overtime in the gold medal game of the men's hockey tournament in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy on Sunday. Both teams had previously met in the gold medal contest in 2002 and 2010 with the Canadians victorious in both. It was the last sporting event to be held at this year's Winter Olympics.
Team USA captured their first gold medal since 1980. It was the third time overall during the Winter Olympics that the Americans won the gold medal in men's ice hockey. Today is the 46th anniversary of the Miracle Of Ice by the United States against the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, New York.
Both nations faced each other in the Winter Olympics for the eighth time. Team Canada is now 6-2 on those eight meetings against Team USA.
Canada remains at three gold medals in men's hockey when National Hockey League players are involved. It was the first time since 2014 that NHL players participated in the men's hockey tournament. The Canadians medaled for a record 17th time in men's ice hockey.
Team Canada captain and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby did not dress and participate in the game. Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid was elevated to the captain position for them.
Team USA alternate captain and Florida Panthers right wing Matthew Tkachuk won his first goal medal. Panthers center Sam Reinhart, center Sam Bennett and center Brad Marchand finished with the silver medal for Team Canada. Former Florida Panthers center and current New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck also captured a gold medal for Team USA.
Team USA rolled out to a 1-0 lead at the 6:00 mark of the first period with their first shot of the contest. Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes cycled the puck from the American end wall. Team USA captain and Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews centered it in his own zone. Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy carried the puck through the neutral zone and split two defenders in the middle of the Canadians zone. He steered in a backhand shot from the top of the crease past St. Louis Blues goalie Jordan Binnington for his second tally in the tournament.
Team Canada tied it up 1-1 with 1:44 left in the second period. Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews angled a pass from the left point. Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar released a forehand shot from the right-circle dot by Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck for his second goal in this men's hockey tournament.
There was no scoring by either nation during the third period. Team USA won the game and the gold medal at 1:41 of overtime. Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski sent a cross-ice pass from the low right circle and New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes fired a wrist shot from the inner left circle. It was the fourth goal by Hughes in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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