On Sunday the US men’s hockey team won gold, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime. New Jersey Devils Superstar Jack Hughes scored the golden goal, a minute and 42 seconds into the extra frame. Hughes beat netminder Jordan Binnington five whole after receiving the puck from Werenski. Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski and Connor Hellebuyck where credited with the assists.
US’s Matt Boldy opened the scoring 6 minutes into the game with a nifty goal. On a great individual effort, Boldy split the defenseman before backhanding the puck into Canada’s net. Auston Matthews and Quinn Hughes were credited with the assists. Cale Makar would eventually tie the game with a minute and 44 seconds left in the second period. The Avalanche defenseman beat Hellebuyck low blocker side from the right faceoff circle. Devon Toews was the only player given an assist on the goal. The next goal in the game was Jack Hughes’ overtime winner.
Connor Hellebuyck was excellent in net, arguably stealing the game for the Americans. He stopped 41 of 42 shots, including several highlight real saves. Jordan Binnington was also solid in net, making 26 of 28 saves, and giving the Canadians a chance in the game. Both teams were penalized 6 total minutes. All power plays were unsuccessful. The man advantage opportunities included a minute and 32 second 5 on 3 for Canada and a 4-minute power play at the end of regulation for the US.
Jack Hughes had an emotional interview after scoring the golden goal. He said, “This is all about our country. I love the USA. I love my teammates. I’m proud to be an American today... Just a ballsy, gutsy win... that’s American hockey”.
The Americans had a dominant tournament, going undefeated through six games. The Hughes brothers were number one and two in team scoring. Quinn Hughes scored a goal and 7 assists while Jack Hughes scored 4 goals and 3 assists. In five games Connor Hellebuyck had a .956 save percentage and a 1.18 goals-against average.
This was the US’s third gold medal in Olympic Men’s ice hockey. The first gold medal came in 1960. Their second one came in 1980. The same tournament as the “miracle on ice”, when the Americans defeated the Soviet Union in the semifinals. It was 46 years since the US men’s hockey team won gold at the Olympics. Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson is the 3rd in his bloodline to win a gold medal for the US men’s hockey team. His grandfather, Bill Christian, was on the 1960 team, and his uncle, Dave Christian, was on the 1980 team.
The US won gold in women’s hockey as well. They also beat Canada 2-1 in overtime on Thursday. It was there third gold medal ever.