USA vs. Canada's Gold-Medal Highlights from Men's Olympic Hockey Bracket

The United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal in men's hockey at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Sunday.

New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal 1:41 into OT, securing the U.S. its first Olympic gold in men's hockey since the Miracle on Ice team in 1980.

Hughes took a high stick from Florida Panthers and Team Canada forward Sam Bennett in the third period, which cracked his teeth, but he fought through the pain to score arguably the biggest goal in American hockey history.

During their celebration, Team USA honored late NHL and Team USA winger Johnny Gaudreau, who died at the age of 31 in 2024, by holding up his jersey:

Minnesota Wild forward Matthew Boldy opened the scoring for Team USA six minutes into the first period, parting the defense and beating St. Louis Blues and Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington.

After threatening throughout the second period, Canada finally equalized with less than two minutes left in the frame, as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar solved Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck of the Americans.

Hellebuyck was unbeatable for much of the game, stopping 41 of Canada's 42 shots, and proving why he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as NHL MVP last season.

He made numerous clutch stops in the second and third periods, shutting down the likes of Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, Avs defenseman Devon Toews and San Jose Sharks wunderkind Macklin Celebrini:

Canada was without its captain and Pittsburgh Penguins legend Sidney Crosby in the loss, as he missed his second consecutive game after suffering a lower-body injury in the quarterfinals against Czechia.

With Sunday's victory, the U.S. won its third all-time Olympic gold medal in men's hockey, and its first in a best-on-best Olympic tournament featuring NHL players.

Team USA also got revenge on Canada for some close calls in the past, including OT losses to the Canadians in the 2010 Olympic gold medal game and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off final.

While it will take sustained success to knock Canada from its perch as the dominant nation in men's hockey, the United States made a huge statement by adding Olympic gold to its golds at the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championship, and the 2025 World Championship.