Jack Hughes emerged as the overtime hero, leading the United States to a 2-1 victory over Canada in the men’s hockey gold medal game.
Hughes deposited a feed from Zach Werenski one minute and 41 seconds into the overtime period, as the United States captured their first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980.
Matt Boldy opened the scoring, splitting the Canadian defence pair of Cale Makar and Devon Toews, before tucking the puck past Jordan Binnington. United States and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews delivered the primary assist. Matthews was the United States’ best forward throughout the game, with an outstanding two-way showing.
Makar equalized for Canada, sniping a shot past United States goaltender Connor Hellebuyck in the second period. Hellebuyck was brilliant for the United States, making 41 saves in the winning effort. Binnington recorded 26 saves for Canada.
Congratulations to Auston Matthews on winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics
📸: Amber Searls-Imagn Images pic.twitter.com/foeGfnxFNK
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) February 22, 2026
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Although the overwhelming majority of Leafs fans were rooting for Team Canada, it’s notable that Matthews submitted a terrific tournament for the United States. Matthews was the United States’ best player through the preliminary round, and while his offensive impact waned during the elimination round, he was a force in all facets of the game Sunday.
“Just a resilient group, top to bottom. We’re a team, it doesn’t matter who gets it done. It’s just a special group of guys, it’s such an incredible feeling, it feels so good,” Matthews said post-game to Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas.
Hellebuyck and Quinn Hughes were named to the tournament’s All-Star team. Hughes was the best defenceman in the tournament, and led the United States in scoring. Makar, Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini were named to the tournament all-star team as well. McDavid led the tournament in scoring with two goals and 13 points, while Celebrini paced the competition with five goals. Juraj Slafkovsky was the tournament all-star.
It’s a devastating loss for Team Canada. From a Leafs vantage point, it’s perhaps the greatest win of Matthews’ career, and he will be celebrated as such for leading the United States to their first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since 1980.
PRESENTED BY DAILY FACEOFF’S OLYMPIC COVERAGE
Catch Every Goal from the 2026 Milan Games! The 2026 Milan Games are almost here, and the world’s best men’s and women’s hockey players are ready to battle for gold! The Nation Network is bringing you every game, every jaw-dropping save, and all the drama with live reaction streams and full recaps. Don’t miss a moment of Olympic hockey action—men’s, women’s, and everything in between—on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel. Subscribe now and stay on top of every play!