Team USA ended a long wait for Olympic men’s hockey gold Sunday, beating Canada 2-1 in overtime when Jack Hughes slipped the winner past Jordan Binnington. The victory delivered the Americans their first gold medal in the event since 1980 and came on the 46th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice” semifinal upset of the Soviet Union.
Connor Hellebuyck made the lead stand long enough for Hughes to finish it, turning aside 40 shots as Canada tilted the ice in the second and third periods. Devon Toews and Nathan MacKinnon each had prime chances to break through, and both teams survived extended special-teams stretches, including a double minor to Canada’s Sam Bennett for high-sticking Hughes, without a goal.
Matt Boldy opened the scoring in the first period, slicing between Toews and Cale Makar before beating Binnington for a 1-0 advantage. Canada answered after killing off a 5-on-3, with Makar scoring to tie it.
After Hughes’ overtime strike sealed the result, the Americans celebrated while also honoring late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau by raising his jersey.
It was the third Olympic gold medal for U.S. men’s hockey.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.