In a devastating outcome, Team USA beat Team Canada 2-1 in overtime, to come out victorious in the gold-medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, Feb. 22.
It was Jack Hughes who ultimately played the hero for Team USA, scoring a minute and 40 seconds into the 3-on-3 overtime period.
It marks the first gold medal for Team USA since 1980, and also the first time they’ve been able to beat Canada in an Olympic final over the course of five tries. This time around, Canada was shorthanded without captain Sidney Crosby, who missed the final two games of the tournament due to an injury.
“I feel that it’s a lot easier playing than watching, but, I think everyone should be proud the way the team performed,” said Crosby post-game.
“I thought that obviously, we did everything but score. In every facet, we were so good today, I thought we deserved better, and unfortunately, didn’t come away with the win.”
The Americans were able to take the lead early, thanks to a goal from Matt Boldy, before Cale Makar levelled the score in the second.
The third period was scoreless, but also controversial, after it appeared that the Americans had too many players on the ice. Hughes appeared to play the puck with his skate while making his way to the bench, much to the ire of Canadian fans who claimed the refs ‘handed Team USA’ the win.
Apparently too many men isn’t a penalty in Olympics, that’s good to know let’s stack our whole team on the ice then #Olympics2026 #CANvsUSA
— Michelle (@bolobaomash) February 22, 2026
Refs just handed the game to the USA by not calling that too many men, and now they have to call the high stick. I get not calling most stick infractions in a game like this, but too many men is one you can’t let go. Absurd.
— Maarten Lempia (@mlemps91) February 22, 2026
Despite that, Canada had plenty of opportunities in the third, but were unable to capitalize, as they also outshot the U.S. 42-28 throughout the game.
The biggest opportunity came at about the 10-minute mark of the third period, when Nathan MacKinnon missed the net with a wide-open chance, as the game was tied 1-1.
The 2026 tournament marks the first time the Olympics welcomed back NHL-talent since 2014. Canada won that tournament, along with the 2010 Games, which was against Team USA.
After the most recent result, Canadians fans are going through it, feeling especially salty about 3-on-3 hockey, along with all the missed opportunities to put this game away.
Nathan MacKinnon, how in the world do you miss this? pic.twitter.com/7xkiswWDie
— Robert Tiffin (@RobertTiffin) February 22, 2026
That Nathan MacKinnon missed goal is gonna haunt for a generation
— Jordan A. Hayles (@MR_STiXX) February 22, 2026
One of the most astounding missed opportunities in hockey history
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) February 22, 2026
3-on-3 in overtime is stupid. it’s like having the nba finals decided on the first score on a fast break in overtime. but mostly it’s stupid because canada lost.
— alex (@steven_lebron) February 22, 2026
pic.twitter.com/ul7C2ZwC2p
— Waiting to Oxtail (@ThatDudeMCFLY) February 22, 2026
Fans were also holding onto the absence of Crosby, feeling that it may have been a different story with him on the ice.
True. A healthy Crosby probably would have made a difference #Canada https://t.co/93yEyOdIwV
— Rob Zimmer (@PGHfan_66) February 22, 2026
would Canada have beaten the United States if my GOAT, Syd the Kid Crosby, was on the ice? pic.twitter.com/wl9eOo6lLr
— . (@easybreadsniper) February 22, 2026
The hockey world has long known what Sidney Crosby is all about, but you won’t find a better example of his selflessness than his decision to sit out today’s Olympic gold-medal final rather than forcing it while injured.
Crosby put his teammates, team and country 🇨🇦 first.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) February 22, 2026
I’m sick for Sid…
We all know how great he is…but maybe even more impressive…is just how he’s done it.
The right way…almost every step. He has represented the game and Canada as well as anyone…ever.
A Crosby appreciation post. Do it for Sid. pic.twitter.com/0xBMaCKwHT
— Tim Micallef (@tim_micallef) February 22, 2026
Even without Crosby, Canada was still clearly the better team in the second and third periods but couldn’t find a way to convert their chances. Fans are feeling extremely frustrated about it.
Canada is getting a million chances and we’re just not getting the puck in the net omggggg
— mads 🪩 (@mads_termind) February 22, 2026
Canada so many chances. Mad scramble in front and the puck doesn’t go in.
Hellebuyck another big save. #canadq #usahockey
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) February 22, 2026
The puck just won’t go into the net for Canada. https://t.co/aAK57vrJI2
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) February 22, 2026
It should be 5-1 Canada right now. We are just outplaying the USA. Some good saves and bad puck luck.
— Bacon Ranch (@Sigma_3_14) February 22, 2026
For all the highlights, reaction and analysis from throughout the gold-medal game, check-out Yahoo News Canada’s live blog coverage.
Live coverage is over51 updates
Featured
Farah Syed
Vote: Did Team USA beat Team Canada fair and square?
Canada’s devastating loss against their top rival Team USA in the Olympic gold medal final has Canadians across the country rethinking the heated game.
A few missed and botched calls from referees in the third period had some fans wondering if officials had “handed” the game to the U.S.
What do you think: Did USA beat Canada fairly?
Vivek Jacob
Difficult few days for Canadian hockey
In some ways, this was the worst script imaginable for Canadian hockey fans.
For both the men and women’s teams to reach the gold medal game and be stopped by USA is going to sting for the next four years.
Losing both in overtime in 3-on-3 hockey only rubs salt in a gaping wound.
You still take pride in Canada earning two silver medals in the grand scheme of things, but there was very real hope for two golds here.
Players with team Canada react after losing to the United States in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
(The Canadian Press)
Team Canada reacts after losing to the United States during overtime of the women’s gold medal hockey game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
(The Canadian Press)
Bryan Meler
‘I thought we deserved better’: Crosby after watching gold-medal loss
Team Canada was without its captain and one of its top superstars in Sidney Crosby, who had to sit due to injury in Canada’s gold-medal matchup vs. the U.S.
“I feel that it’s a lot easier playing than watching, but, I think everyone should be proud the way the team performed,” said Crosby post-game.
“I thought that obviously, we did everything but score. In every facet, we were so good today, I thought we deserved better, and unfortunately, didn’t come away with the win.”
does it even matter if they have the gold when we got the one and only sidney crosby pic.twitter.com/OEm5y3We4I
— shark baiter (@celibrini) February 22, 2026
Crosby said post-game that he was “pretty close” to playing, but didn’t feel that he was able to contribute enough to be able to help the team win, after suffering a lower body injury in the quarters vs. Czechia.
“You got to make a decision that’s best for the group,” said Crosby on the decision to sit out vs. USA.
Despite that, Crosby tried to be a “positive influence” throughout the game for the team, adding:
“I thought one of our best games is probably today. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for us. But like I said, just really proud of the group and the way we competed and the way we played.”
Bryan Meler
Photos: Team USA players collect gold medals, as Jack Hughes’ smile steals the show
To finish the 2026 men’s Olympic hockey tournament, it was Team USA that heard the playing of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” as they collected their gold medals.
Among the best visuals is of OT-hero Jack Hughes, who’s missing a tooth after taking a high-stick to the face in the third period.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Gold medalists Quinn Hughes #43 and Jack Hughes #86 of Team United States celebrate after the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)
Gold medalist of the United States pose after the men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Team USA pose for group photo during the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and United States on day sixteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by RvS.Media/Robert Hradil/Getty Images)
(RvS.Media/Robert Hradil via Getty Images)
United States’ Kyle Connor (81), Zach Werenski (8), Jack Hughes (86) and Clayton Keller (91) react after receiving their gold medals after the United States defeated Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Vivek Jacob
Team USA pays tribute to Johnny Gadreau
Auston Matthews #34, Zach Werenski #8 and Matthew Tkachuk #19 of Team United States celebrate winning the gold medals with the sweater of the late Johnny Gaudreau after the team’s 2-1 overtime victory. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
(Jamie Squire via Getty Images)
In a touching moment, the USA men’s hockey team paid tribute to Johnny Gadreau, with Auston Matthews, Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk holding up a jersey in his name.
Gadreau and his brother Matthew were biking together when they were tragically killed by a drunk driver in New Jersey on the night of Aug. 29, 2024.
Vivek Jacob
Connor McDavid has been named Olympics men’s hockey MVP
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Silver medalist Connor McDavid #97 of Team Canada looks on during the medal ceremony for Men’s Ice Hockey after the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Bruce Bennett via Getty Images)
Connor McDavid has been named the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament MVP.
He finished with two goals and 11 assists for an all-time record 13 points at a single Olympics. Sadly, he couldn’t add to that tally in the final.
McDavid was also named to the Olympic all-star team that included Canadian teammates Cale Makar and Macklin Celebrini.
Bryan Meler
Photos: Team Canada receives silver medal after hard-fought 2026 Olympic Games
It’s not the colour they wanted, but Team Canada was able to finish the 2026 Games with a spot on the podium as they were awarded silver.
Canada’s players look on with their silver medals during the medals ceremony of the men’s ice hockey event at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP via Getty Images)
(ALEXANDER NEMENOV via Getty Images)
Canada’s #08 Cale Makar wears his silver medal during the medals ceremony of the men’s ice hockey event at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP via Getty Images)
(ALEXANDER NEMENOV via Getty Images)
Canada’s Brad Marchand (L) and Canada’s Sidney Crosby wear their silver medals during the medals ceremony of the men’s ice hockey event at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP via Getty Images)
(ALEXANDER NEMENOV via Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Mitch Marner #93 and Connor McDavid #97 of Team Canada show dejection as they are presented the medals during the medal ceremony following the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)
Bryan Meler
Photos: Team Canada players look devastated after losing gold medal
It’s not hard to feel the pain Team Canada players are experiencing after coming so close to a gold medal.
Canada’s #63 Brad Marchand (L) and Canada’s #97 Connor McDavid look on after the men’s gold medal ice hockey match between Canada and USA at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP via Getty Images)
(ALEXANDER NEMENOV via Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Team Canada looks on before they are award with Silver Medals following their loss to Team United States during the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Bruce Bennett via Getty Images)
Canada’s Connor McDavid (97) reacts after Canada lost toe the United States in a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
From (L-R) Canada’s #61 Mark Stone, Canada’s #38 Brandon Hagel, and Canada’s #09 Sam Bennett look on after the men’s gold medal ice hockey match between Canada and USA at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP via Getty Images)
(ALEXANDER NEMENOV via Getty Images)
Bryan Meler
Photos: Team USA celebrates after claiming Olympic gold medal
It’s a moment of pure joy for the U.S., as the men’s hockey team captured its first Olympic gold medal since 1980.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Jack Hughes #86 of Team United States celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal to win the gold medals in overtime during the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton via Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Matthew Tkachuk #19 of Team United States celebrates with teammates after a 2-1 victory in overtime against Canada to win the gold medal during the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Bruce Bennett via Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera positioned above the field of play.) Connor Hellebuyck #37 and Vincent Trocheck #16 of Team United States celebrate winning the gold medals after the team’s 2-1 overtime victory in the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton via Getty Images)
Vivek Jacob
Canada left to rue missed opportunities
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: USA’s #74 Jaccob Slavin (2L) and Canada’s #17 Macklin Celebrini vie for the puck during the men’s gold medal ice hockey match between Canada and USA at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Julien de Rosa – Pool/Getty Images)
(Pool via Getty Images)
The 2026 Winter Olympics ends in heartbreak for the Canada men’s hockey team.
Canada was better for the majority of the first three periods but wasted too many scoring opportunities and then 3-on-3 hockey is a coin toss. Connor Hellebuyck was the difference, standing on his head to deny the Canadians time and time again.
Nathan MacKinnon will be distraught. Having scored the semifinal game-winner, he missed an open side chance that would have given Canada the lead in the third period.
Canada ends up out-shooting USA 42-28 but will only have a silver medal to show for it.
Vivek Jacob
Goal! USA wins gold medal in overtime
Jack Hughes has scored the winner a minute and 40 seconds into overtime to defeat Canada and give USA the gold medal.
Zach Werenski collected the assist.
HOCKEY – FINALE 🇨🇦-🇺🇸 Jack Hughes marque en prolongation et donne la victoire 2-1 aux États-Unis, une première médaille d’or olympique depuis 1980 pour les Américains.
Le Canada doit se contenter de la médaille🥈.@HockeyCanada #MilanoCortina2026 #rcsports #hockey… pic.twitter.com/YQn9heBbfB
— Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) February 22, 2026
Vivek Jacob
Binnington denies Hughes!
Jordan Binnington delivers once again! He makes an incredible save on Quinn Hughes to keep Canada alive.
Vivek Jacob
Overtime begins
Three-on-three hockey has begun to decide the gold-medal game between Canada and the United States in men’s hockey.
McDavid, MacKinnon, and Makar for Canada to begin.
Matthews, Boldy, and Quinn Hughes for the U.S.
Vivek Jacob
Canada-USA gold-medal game headed to overtime
Brock Nelson, Macklin Celebrini during the Men’s Playoffs final match between Canada and United States of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A pulsating third period comes to an end with the scores level 1-1.
Cale Makar for Canada and Matt Boldy for the U.S. are the scorers.
We’re now headed to overtime, where we’ll see 3-on-3 hockey be played over the course of 20-minute sudden-death periods, to ultimately decide who wins men’s hockey Olympic gold.
Vivek Jacob
Jack Hughes receives penalty for high stick
Perhaps seeking revenge, Jack Hughes has thrown away USA’s man advantage with a high stick of his own on Bo Horvat.
Prior to that, Jordan Binnington made a massive save on Auston Matthews to keep the scores level.
This is heart-stopping stuff with under three minutes remaining.
Vivek Jacob
Sam Bennett receives penalty for high stick
Sam Bennett has received a double minor penalty, which puts USA on the powerplay for four minutes, with just over six minutes in the third remaining.
Bennett lost his balance as he hit the boards and his stick flashed high, knocking Jack Hughes in the face. It was inadvertent, but the right call.
Vivek Jacob
Referees miss call on USA having too many players on ice
Guess what, a Canada opponent had an extra player on the ice and it wasn’t called once again.
USA’s Jack Hughes appeared to play the puck with his skate while making his way to the bench and there was no call made.
Unbelievable.
Vivek Jacob
MacKinnon shockingly misses open side
Canada should absolutely be up at this point and they will hope they aren’t left to rue all these missed opportunities.
The latest came from semifinal hero Nathan MacKinnon, who shockingly missed an empty side when it seemed harder to miss than score.
USA went down the other way and forced a big save out of Jordan Binnington.
Vivek Jacob
All Canada midway through 3rd period
22 February 2026, Italy, Mailand: Olympia, Olympic Winter Games Milan Cortina 2026, ice hockey, men, Canada – USA, final round, final, goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck (r, USA) in action next to Jaccob Slavin (l, USA) and Bo Horvat (Canada). Photo: Peter Kneffel/dpa (Photo by Peter Kneffel/picture alliance via Getty Images)
(picture alliance via Getty Images)
Canada has been utterly dominant through the first half of this period, but Connor Hellebuyck is delivering an all-time Olympic performance for USA in goal.
It is now 36 shots for Canada to USA’s 17, illustrating the force with which Canada is playing.
Vivek Jacob
Hellebuyck makes stunning save on Toews
Unbelievably, Canada’s Devon Toews was denied by US goalie Connor Hellebuyck from point blank range.
It looked for certain Toews would tap in with an empty net off a pass from Mitch Marner but Hellebuyck stuck his stick out for the save just in time as the puck then squeaked past the post.
Vivek Jacob
3rd period underway
We are into what could be the final 20 minutes of the men’s hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States…
Don’t forget to breathe.
Vivek Jacob
2nd Period Analysis: Canada breaks through in big moment
Cale Makar’s goal with under two minutes remaining in the second period will breathe a huge sigh of relief into the Canadian team.
Canada pressured tremendously well in the second period but there were a lot of missed chances as U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck appeared unbeatable.
Now, the Canadians got the carrot at the end of the stick for all their efforts and have now out-shot the Americans 27-16.
That being said, Canada absolutely needed their goalie Jordan Binnington in that second period and he made some clutch saves to keep the deficit at one and make Makar’s goal all the more significant.
We’ll see if Canada can maintain its level of play in the third period.
Vivek Jacob
Canada and USA tied 1-1 after two periods
Canada and USA are tied 1-1 after two periods in the men’s hockey gold medal game.
Matt Boldy opened the scoring six minutes into the first period but Cale Makar made one of Canada’s many second period chances finally count.
There was a near scrap close to the USA bench as tensions continue to rise as we head into the final period.
Vivek Jacob
GOAL! Makar levels for Canada
Cale Makar has nailed a beauty of a snipe into Connor Hellebuyck’s bottom left corner to level the gold medal game at 1-1 with just under two minutes remaining in the second period.
Earlier, Brady Tkachuck had a go at Makar off a missed chance and it appears he poked the bear.
Everything to play for now.
Vivek Jacob
Canada squandering chances in second period
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Connor McDavid #97 of Team Canada looks on in the second period during the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa via Getty Images)
Canada had a 93-second opportunity to play 5-on-3 hockey but couldn’t find a way past USA.
Just prior to that, Connor McDavid blew a huge chance on a breakaway where he appeared to be 1-on-1 with American goalie Connor Hellebuyck. He seemed frustrated after over not getting a hooking call.
Missed opportunities has been the theme of this second period for Canada thus far.
Vivek Jacob
Canada has huge powerplay opportunity
Canada has a huge opportunity now with a 5-on-3 powerplay. Both Charlie McAvoy and Jake Guentzel have been called for penalties; the former for hooking and the latter for holding an opponent.
Vivek Jacob
Goalies being made to work, as McDavid squanders breakaway
USA’s #37 Connor Hellebuyck (R) defends against Canada’s #97 Connor McDavid (C) during the men’s gold medal ice hockey match between Canada and USA at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP via Getty Images)
(JULIEN DE ROSA via Getty Images)
Both Canada’s Jordan Binnington and USA’s Connor Hellebuyck have been tested early here in the second period.
Hellebuyck made a big save on Travis Sanheim, while he also stopped a Connor McDavid breakaway, as the Canadian superstar couldn’t find his composure close to the net.
Binnington made big saves on both Brock Nelson and Tage Thompson.
Still 1-0 USA in the boxscore, while Canada leads with 14 shots compared to the U.S.’s 13.
Vivek Jacob
2nd period underway
We are underway here in the second period. Canada trails by a goal.
Bryan Meler
Team Canada has been in this situation before
Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Matt Boldy during the Men’s Playoffs final match between Canada and United States of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Facing a deficit is nothing new for Team Canada throughout the 2026 Winter Games.
On Wednesday, Canada played its quarterfinal against Czechia. After trailing 3-2 late, they got a magnificent tip from Nick Suzuki with just 3:27 left to play in the third. It pushed the game to overtime, where Mitch Marner played the hero so Canada could advance.
Then came Friday, where Canada pulled off another stellar comeback to overturn a 2-0 second period deficit and defeat Finland in the semifinals. Sam Reinhart and Shea Theodore scored to level the result before Nathan MacKinnon’s game-winner with just 35.2 seconds remaining in the semis.
Vivek Jacob
1st Period Analysis: Canada must be more aware of USA goal threat
Once again, Canada must make a comeback in an elimination game at these Olympics.
USA has been better at the face-offs and in creating more clear-cut chances. There was a stretch after conceding where Canada looked to be dictating proceedings, but the Americans absorbed that pressure and it has been end-to-end since.
Tom Wilson’s hit on Dylan Larkin on the forecheck was the biggest moment of the period for Canada, some calling it the biggest hit we’ve seen at the Olympics.
After Boldy’s goal, USA captain Auston Matthews had a huge chance in front of goal but strangely elected to pass and Canada was able to recover.
As Canada looks to level the score, it’s clear the Americans can be opportunistic.
Bryan Meler
PM Carney has one thing on the Sunday morning agenda
Prime Minister Mark Carney reacts to a chance for Canada as he watches the gold medal men’s ice hockey game against the United States at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, at a pub in Chelsea, Que., on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
(The Canadian Press)
Like many Canadians, the men’s hockey game against the U.S. is top of mind on Sunday morning. At the moment, it’s the only thing on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s agenda, as he watches from a bar in Chelsea, Que.
“The Prime Minister will cheer on Team Canada’s men’s Olympic hockey team during the gold medal game,” said a statement from the PM’s office.
Vivek Jacob
USA leads Canada 1-0 after first period
In what was ultimately an end-to-end first period, USA leads 1-0 at the end of of the opening frame.
It has to be said that the Americans have had the better of the chances, with Matt Boldy scoring the all-important first goal off an assist from Auston Matthews.
Vivek Jacob
Canada concedes first penalty of the game
Canada’s Shea Theodore has been called for hooking with just under three minutes remaining in the first period to hand the Americans a powerplay.
Considering the physicality of the game, it’s a bit of a surprise that this is the play that earns a penalty.
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics – Ice Hockey – Men’s Gold Medal Game – Canada vs United States – Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy – February 22, 2026. Nathan MacKinnon of Canada clashes with Jake Guentzel of United States as referee Chris Rooney and linesperson Scott Cherrey look on REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo
(REUTERS / Reuters)
Vivek Jacob
Canada dictating after conceding
Canada has responded well to that opening goal by the United States, now with six shots to USA’s two through the opening 11 minutes.
Can they make the pressure count on the scoreboard before the end of the first period?
Vivek Jacob
GOAL! USA leads 1-0
Matt Boldy has scored the opening goal of the men’s hockey gold medal game six minutes in, his first of the tournament.
Boldy exploded past Cale Makar and Devon Toews to slot one past Jordan Binnington.
Canada is playing from behind once again.
Vivek Jacob
Physical start, as expected
The Tkachuck brothers are at it again as they’ve looked to scrap it up early against Canada, with both Matthew and Brady combining for a hit on Canada’s Colton Parayko.
Tom Wilson, meanwhile, absolutely nailed Dylan Larkin on the forecheck.
Vivek Jacob
Men’s hockey gold-medal game gets underway
We have the opening draw here and are underway in the men’s hockey final between Canada and the United States.
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics – Ice Hockey – Men’s Gold Medal Game – Canada vs United States – Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy – February 22, 2026. General view of the action during the opening face off REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo
(REUTERS / Reuters)
Vivek Jacob
Revisiting Sidney Crosby’s Golden Goal in Vancouver 2010
Sixteen years and a week to the day Sidney Crosby scored that goal, Canada and the U.S. will finally meet again to decide who will win the gold medal in Olympic men’s hockey.
How could we not revisit that moment?
Expectations were sky high for Canada playing on home ice in Vancouver. Finishing seventh in Torino four years prior was a disaster, and now here was an opportunity to wash that nightmare away against bitter rivals the United States. Lose this game, though, and it would be a complete disaster for the program.
Jonathan Toews and Corey Perry gave Canada a 2-0 lead to seemingly put them on course. America’s Ryan Kesler pulled one back before Zach Parise tied the contest with 24.4 seconds remaining in the third period to send the game into overtime.
It was a jarring moment but ultimately set the stage for Crosby, who took a pass from Jarome Iginla and fired a low shot through U.S. goalie Ryan Miller’s legs to set off scenes of pure euphoria in Vancouver and across the country.
Canadian forward Sidney Crosby (87) and Canadian defence Scott Niedermayer (27)jubilate as their team wins gold against the USA in the Men’s Gold Medal Hockey match at the Canada Hockey Place during the XXI Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada on February 28, 2010. AFP PHOTO / YURI KADOBNOV (Photo credit should read YURI KADOBNOV/AFP via Getty Images)
(YURI KADOBNOV via Getty Images)
Bryan Meler
Photos: Team Canada, USA hit the ice with gold medal in their sights
It’s tense in Milan, as the best men’s hockey players in the world hit the ice for a chance at gold for their respective countries.
Nathan MacKinnon #29 of Team Canada walks out to the ice for warmups prior to the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)
Canada’s #97 Connor McDavid wears the captian’s jersey during the warmup before the men’s gold medal ice hockey match between Canada and USA at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP via Getty Images)
(ALEXANDER NEMENOV via Getty Images)
Connor Hellebuyck #37 of Team United States and Jordan Binnington #50 of Team Canada are seen during the warm up prior to the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton via Getty Images)
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Jake Oettinger (30) of United States heads to the ice with teammates for warmups before playing against Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
Players of Team United States warm up prior to the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton via Getty Images)
Bryan Meler
Photos: Fans make their way to Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for the gold-medal game
It’s the matchup we’ve all been waiting for, as fans start to pack the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for what should be a great gold-medal game.
Canada fans outside the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy before the men’s gold medal game against the USA. (REUTERS/Marton Monus)
(REUTERS / Reuters)
A Canada fan outside the arena before the match REUTERS/Marton Monus
(REUTERS / Reuters)
Canada fans outside the arena before the match REUTERS/Marton Monus
(REUTERS / Reuters)
Canada fans outside the arena before the match REUTERS/Marton Monus
(REUTERS / Reuters)
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Fans of Team United States and Team Canada look on prior to the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics – Ice Hockey – Men’s Gold Medal Game – Canada vs United States – Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy – February 22, 2026. United States fans with face paint outside the arena before the match REUTERS/Marton Monus
(REUTERS / Reuters)
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics – Ice Hockey – Men’s Gold Medal Game – Canada vs United States – Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy – February 22, 2026. Canada and United States fans outside the arena before the match REUTERS/Marton Monus
(REUTERS / Reuters)
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics – Ice Hockey – Men’s Gold Medal Game – Canada vs United States – Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy – February 22, 2026. A Canada and United States fan outside the arena before the match REUTERS/Marton Monus
(REUTERS / Reuters)
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Former ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky gives a thump up prior to the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Elsa via Getty Images)
Vivek Jacob
Is Canada’s ‘Big Three’ ready for biggest moment?
Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Macklin Celebrini have all had outstanding efforts at the 2026 Winter Olympics to this point.
McDavid leads the tournament in points with a new all-time record for NHL players at a single Olympics with 13. He is only three behind Sidney Crosby for the most points by a Canadian in an Olympic career. The best player in the world has delivered on the biggest stage and this final could be his crowning moment.
Celebrini is having as good a teenage Olympic debut as anyone could dream of. The 19-year-old leads the tournament in goals and, with five assists to his name as well, is second in points only behind McDavid. He also has the second-most points by a Canadian at a single Olympics. The kid’s special.
Then there’s MacKinnon, who will now always have the memory of scoring the game-winning goal to put Canada into the gold-medal game. He’s the tournament’s second-leading scorer with four goals to his credit and he’s got three assists to go along with it.
If Canada comes away with the gold, rest assured these three will have something to do with it.
Macklin Celebrini #17 of Team Canada in action during the Ice Hockey Semifinal match between Team Canada and Team Finland on day fourteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
(Xavier Laine via Getty Images)
Vivek Jacob
Canada vs. U.S.A. head-to-head in Olympic gold medal games
Canada’s Mario Lemieux (L), Joe Sakic (C) and Theo Fleury (R) stand during the playing of the Canadian national anthem following their 5-2 Men’s gold medal Ice Hockey victory over the USA at the XIX Winter Olympics 24 February 2002 in Salt Lake City, Utah. AFP PHOTO/GEORGE FREY (Photo by GEORGE FREY / AFP via Getty Images)
(GEORGE FREY via Getty Images)
Canada has plenty to boast about when it comes to facing the U.S. in a men’s hockey gold medal game, having won all four of its matchups.
There is, of course, the fondest of memories from 2010 when Sidney Crosby scored the “Golden Goal” in Vancouver to secure a 3-2 win and the gold medal.
Prior to that, Canada also faced off against the Americans in 2002, pummelling them 5-2 courtesy two goals and two assists from Joe Sakic. Jarome Iginla also scored twice in that contest while Martin Brodeur made 33 saves.
Gold medal history between the two teams goes much further than that as well. Canada first beat the U.S. for gold in 1924, winning 6-1 in what was later recognized as the first official Winter Olympics. Canada clinched gold against the U.S. in 1932 as well, tying 2-2, which was enough to clinch having previously gone undefeated including a 2-1 win over the Americans.
With a format that did not include a final in 1960, the Americans clinched men’s hockey gold by going undefeated in a group format. They did beat Canada 2-1 when the opportunity presented itself.
Steven Loung
A look at Canada’s lineup ahead of the gold-medal showdown
With Crosby ruled out, Canada’s starting lines look a little different than normal.
Canada’s going with its nuclear “Triple Mack” line with Connor McDavid centring Macklin Celebrini and Nathan MacKinnon.
This moves up what was formerly the Sidney Crosby-centred Nick Suzuki line to the second line.
Bo Horvat as been moved back down to centre the fourth line and Tom Wilson is now Sam Bennett’s right winger on the third line.
Once again, Josh Morrissey is out and Jordan Binnington gets the start in net.
Bryan Meler
Gretzky says ‘I want Canada to win a gold medal’ amid tense U.S. relations
Canadian former ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky is present for the game between Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Ahead of Canada’s matchup vs. Finland, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky was asked by CBC’s James Duthie about the tense political relations between Canada and the U.S., and how that’s boiled over into the hockey world.
Friction between the two nations continues to be top of mind as Canada and the U.S. get set to face off in the Olympic final.
Gretzky has been in the centre of that, especially after the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025, as his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn controversy.
With that context, Duthie asked Gretzky on Friday: “What would be his message to Canadians?”
“First of all, let’s worry about the game, right?” said Gretzky.
“I’m a hockey player. I’m a Canadian, I’m a true Canadian. I want Canada to win a gold medal. I’ve never wavered from that. I’ve been friends with presidents, prime ministers, somehow, as you said, there’s a little bit more tension than normal. At the end of the day, Canada, the U.S. are like brothers and sisters. They’re gonna fight and argue, but eventually, you come together, right? And that’s the way I see it.”
Unsurprisingly, his comments drew quite a bit of reaction from Canadians.
Steven Loung
Tage Thompson in Team USA lineup
Tage Thompson is available for Team USA in Sunday’s gold-medal game.
Thompson wasn’t on the bench to start the third period of USA’s semifinal with Slovakia Friday. Team USA officials say he was kept out of the game for “precautionary reasons” after he blocked a hard shot in the second period and was seen limping on the ice.
Bryan Meler
Breaking: Team Canada to be without Sidney Crosby in gold-medal game
Team Canada will be without Sidney Crosby on Sunday, reports Elliotte Friedman. Canada’s captain also missed the semifinal, after suffering an injury vs. Czechia in the quarters.
It’s a tough blow, considering the impact he has on the team, both with his six points in the first four games of the tournament (two goals, four assists), along with his leadership.
Vivek Jacob
How Team USA got to the final
Brock Faber, Jaccob Slavin, Jack Eichel and Matthew Tkachuk celebrates scoring a goal during the Men’s Playoffs Semi-final match between USA and Slovakia at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. (Photo by Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The American men were placed in Group C in the preliminary round along with Germany, Latvia and Denmark.
They went undefeated in the group stage, earning a pair of 5-1 victories over Latvia and Germany as well as a 6-3 win over Denmark sandwiched in between.
USA’s first serious challenge came in the quarterfinals, where they squared off against Sweden. After the U.S. took the lead, their European foes managed to tie the game through Mika Zibanejad with just 1:31 remaining. Overtime could have gotten tricky with 3-on-3 play, but Quinn Hughes gave the Americans victory with a wrist shot off the post and in at the 3:27 mark.
The semifinal was a much less complicated affair, as the U.S. ran away with the game in the second period before closing out a 6-2 victory vs. Slovakia.
Vivek Jacob
How Canada got to the final
Nathan MacKinnon of Team Canada celebrates a goal during the Ice Hockey Men Canada vs Finland Semifinals on day fourteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
(Stefano Guidi via Getty Images)
The Canadian men were slotted in Group A in the preliminary round, alongside Czechia, Switzerland and France.
Canada opened its campaign on Feb. 12 with a resounding 5-0 win over Czechia, with five different scorers as Connor McDavid racked up three assists and Sidney Crosby teeing up two himself.
On Feb. 13, Canada continued its dominance with a 5-1 win over Switzerland to clinch the top spot in the group. McDavid extended his great play with a goal and two assists.
Needing to keep goal difference in mind for the top seed across all teams involved, Canada then found another gear to dismantle France 10-2 in its final group stage game. There were nine different scorers with Macklin Celebrini the only player to score twice.
On Wednesday, Canada played its quarterfinal against Czechia once again. This was nothing like the first encounter and Canada — trailing 3-2 late — needed a magnificent tip from Nick Suzuki and an overtime game-winner from Mitch Marner to advance.
Then came Friday, where Canada pulled off another stellar comeback to overturn a 2-0 second period deficit and defeat Finland in the semifinals. Sam Reinhart and Shea Theodore scored to level the game before Nathan MacKinnon’s game-winner with just 35.2 seconds remaining.
Bryan Meler
Vote: Who has been the MVP for Canada at the 2026 Olympics?
Team Canada’s men’s squad has made its mark at the 2026 Olympics. That started in group play, where they outscored opponents 15-3. They followed it up with a pair of clutch performances against Czechia in the quarters and Finland in the semis.
Throughout it all, who do you think has been the team’s MVP?
Vivek Jacob
What happened the last time Canada was in the gold medal game?
2014 Winter Olympics: Team Canada with gold medal after winning Men’s Gold Medal Game vs Sweden at Bolshoy Ice Dome. Sochi, Russia 2/23/2014CREDIT: David E. Klutho (Photo by David E. Klutho /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(David E. Klutho via Getty Images)
The last time Canada played a gold-medal game in men’s hockey was at Sochi in 2014. Jonathan Toews, Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz scored in a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden while Carey Price collected the shutout.
Canada did defeat the U.S. on their way to the gold medal game, winning 1-0 in the semifinals as Price was outstanding with a 31-save shutout. Victoria, B.C., native Jamie Benn scored the game-winning goal.
That 2014 gold medal was the second straight for Canada after winning in 2010 as well. It was the first time any team had gone back-to-back in men’s hockey since the Soviet Union did it in 1984 and 1988. The last time Canada had gone back-to-back was in 1948 and 1952.
Victory in Sochi marked the ninth occasion that Canada won the men’s hockey gold medal and the 2026 squad will now look to add a historic 10th.
Bryan Meler
Vote: Who do you think will win gold at the men’s hockey Olympic final?
It’s a rivalry quite like any other, with passionate fans on both sides. In this latest chapter, let us know who you think will win today’s Olympic gold medal.
