Team USA wins men’s hockey gold in overtime victory over Canada at the Winter Olympics
By Muhammad MubashirPublished On 23 Feb 2026
American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s play was equally, if not more, important in the win. He stopped 40 shots and survived onslaughts in the second and third periods.
Canada’s Devon Toews had a shot to bury one behind Hellebuyck but the American netminder tapped the puck away. Canada’s offense turned up a notch after that as Nathan MacKinnon had a chance for a top-shelf goal and missed.
Team USA and Canada then cleared six minutes’ worth of penalties. Sam Bennett received a double minor for a high sticking of Jack Hughes. But the U.S. couldn’t capitalize. Hughes was then called for his own penalty and Canada couldn’t score despite more great chances.
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Matt Boldy celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Canada at the Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Matt Boldy put the U.S. on the board in the first period when he tapped the puck to himself and split Toews and Cale Makar to get past Binnington. The U.S. had a 1-0 lead going into the first intermission.
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Canada failed to score on the U.S. on a 5-on-3, but Makar buried one past Hellebuyck minutes later.
American players held up the jersey of Johnny Gaudreau as they honored the late NHL star who died last year.
Team Canada players celebrate a goal by Cale Makar gainst the United States, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn
