Team USA and Team Canada are one of the biggest rivalries in Olympic hockey. Sunday was the first chance the Americans were getting at Gold since 2010. The Canadians were playing without their captain, Sidney Crosby, who was out with a lower-body injury. The uphill climb began for both countries from the moment the puck dropped, as the Americans would take Gold in OT with the 2–1 win.

First Period

There was no love lost to start this classic rivalry. The physical game from both sides came out to make each side pay for any mistake. It took only six minutes for one to happen. Matt Boldy stole the puck in the neutral zone and took off with it. He chipped the puck over the sticks of Cale Makar and Devon Toews and pushed the backhand shot in for the opening goal.

Second Period

The energy from the rivalry carried over to the middle frame with the Americans still in the lead. If Canada were to break through, it was have to be from a great shot. Then, with 10:50 left, Connor McDavid used his speed to get a breakaway and a chance against Connor Hellebuyck.

The breakaway led to chaos on the American side and eventually two hooking penalties for Jake Guentzel and Charlie McAvoy. Canada was seeing some light with a 5-on-3 power play chance and an opportunity to tie the game. The penalties swung the momentum the Canadians’ way as they set up for a face-off with just over two minutes left. The puck flew back to Devon Toews on the left point as he passed to Cale Makar, who slung the shot from the slot to even the score.

Third Period

The barrage didn’t stop at the start of the third period. Toews had one of the best chances so far, pushing the puck right through the American crease. Later, with 10:40 left, Nathan MacKinnon received a pass right in front of an open net but shot it wide.

As the puck went into the corner, Sam Bennett tried to dig it out and missed, hitting Jack Hughes in the mouth. With blood being drawn, the Americans headed to the power play for up to four minutes. With less than four minutes left, Hughes returned the favor with a high-stick on Bo Horvat to send the game to 4-on-4.

Overtime

It would only take a minute and 41 seconds for the Americans to make it count. Jack Hughes pushed the puck out of the corner past Makar and went for the odd-man rush with Zach Werenski. Mackinnon could not lift Werenski’s stick as he passed it back to Hughes for the finish and the Golden Goal.

Up Next

This wraps up the Olympic tournament for the 2026 Winter Games. This was the first Gold Medal for Team USA since the “Miracle on Ice” of 1980. Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson will bring home a Gold while MacKinnon, Makar and Toews bring home Silver. Now the Avalanche player will return to the United States and play for the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. MT.