The battle for the gold medal between the USA and Canada had no shortage of drama and lived up to the unparalleled expectation placed on the game. Momentum ebbed and flowed for over 60 minutes, with the USA prevailing in the end in a 2-1 overtime win that represented the absolute best of both teams.
It was the perfect stylistic clash with Canada leaning on its finesse, puck-dominant forwards to set the tempo and put the U.S. on its heels, while the United States tried to leverage its edge in toughness and defense to counterpunch. This resulted in Canada getting a lot of chances on goal, out-shooting Team USA 42-to-28, which appeared like it would be the difference maker with the USA under threat for much of the third period, but a heroic performance in goal by Connor Hellebuyck to keep out everything shot at him sent the game to overtime.
A pair of penalties late in the third period was the key difference maker in the outcome. Sam Bennett of Canada was assessed a double minor on a high-sticking penalty on Jack Hughes that drew blood, with Hughes then being called for his own high-sticking penalty on Bo Horvat. Neither team was able to capitalize on their power play opportunities late in the period, sending the game to the most dramatic overtime imaginable.
The Olympics once against went to the 3v3 overtime format, which should have drastically favored Canada on paper with their prolific puck handlers and depth of individual scorers, but Jack Hughes managed to take the puck on a counter play, shooting on Jordan Binnington’s blocker to net the goal home and win the gold for USA.
An emotional celebration followed, with Team USA taking a victory lap holding aloft the jersey of former national team player Johnny Gaudreau, who would have been a part of the Milan team, but tragically lost his life in the summer of 2024 when he was hit by a drunk driver while cycling. It was an unbelievable moment bringing tears to fans in attendance, and players on the ice.
The biggest difference maker in this game was the unbelievable play from Hellebuyck in goal, who was under duress for much of the game — but turned into a wall when it mattered the most.
This is only the beginning of the USA vs. Canada rivalry in hockey, and we can expect these teams to meet once more in four years.
