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This in, Canada vs the United States of American in the men’s gold medal game of the 2026 Cortina-Milano Olympics.
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Here is a running account of game, with highlights from social and mainstream media:
Ex-Oilers and Spittin’ Chiclets podcaster Ryan Whitney @ryanwhitney6
The puck drops in 11 hours and I’m already feeling the nerves only a game of this magnitude brings. It’s our time 🇺🇸
NHLer Matthew Barnaby @MattBarnaby3636
The game could be played at 3 a.m. and everyone in Canada would be watching.
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The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn 🇨🇦 @domluszczyszyn
The talent on both sides. The slim margin between them. And the gold medal at stake…
Canada vs. USA matchup is on a whole other level compared to past Olympic games.
TSN’s Travis Yost @travisyost
Think USA’s best player simply has to be the best player on the ice for them to beat Canada, win gold. #37 (Connor Hellebuyck) in net. Biggest game of his life, right?
Oilers fan Trent Wilhauk @TheMrWilhauk
What is the craziest part of tomorrow mornings gold medal game is… 99% of Canada will be watching and going crazy if Canada wins… 99% of Americans could care less and won’t even care if USA wins… Tells you all you need to know…
New York hockey fan Lauren🏒 @Ms_NYRangers
Canadians can run with their narrative that Americans don’t care about this gold medal game. But every bar/restaurant in NYC is opening up at 7:30am. I know so many people having parties. They are just jealous and need to make up stories.
GO USA!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Former NHL great Chris Pronger in The Athletic (Full story)
To beat the United States, Canada will need all four lines, all six defenders and maybe even the extra forward and defenseman. They need everyone involved in a meaningful way. It’s not like in years past, where a couple of guys were going to take over. As amazing as Canada’s top line is, that’s just not how this gold medal is going to be won. However, his nickname is McJesus for a reason!
The Cult of Hockey’s Kurt Leavins
The Olympics, like The Stanley Cup, is the top of the mountain. And it is best-on-best on the biggest stage in all of Sport. It can not and will not be “just another game.” As a result, I do not expect we will see “just another Connor McDavid,” either. It’s his opportunity to write the next chapter in his growing legacy. To be a champion. (Full story)
Vancouver Sportsnet Josh Elliott-Wolfe @ElliottWolfeJ
A note for tomorrow’s Gold Medal game. When Team USA wins it’s a miracle. When Team Canada wins it’s tradition.
NHL.com’s Dan Rosen @drosennhl
In a funny moment today, Connor McDavid said Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Tom Wilson, the three who make up Canada’s new impact line, were debating how many millions of dollars combined they have contributed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
U.S. sportswriter Adam Gretz @AGretz
I would argue this is probably the biggest Olympic game the U.S. men’s team has played in decades. Just based on the expectations and the narratives around the roster. They have to win.
The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus @MarkLazerus
Genuinely shocked that Sidney Crosby isn’t playing. I’m sure it’s killing him not to. But if he’s being unselfish and prioritizing his NHL season and the Penguins’ playoff push at the expense of his own personal glory, that’s very on-brand.
CBC’s Mike Johnson
Tremendous first shift from the USA.
The AP’s Stephen Whyno @SWhyno
What a shot by Macklin Celebrini and what a save by Connor Hellebuyck.
Tom Wilson lowers the BOOM on Dylan Larkin 😳 pic.twitter.com/bgdGcFgdzg
New York hockey writer Mollie Walker @MollieeWalkerr
Tom Wilson almost took Dylan Larkin’s head off…
The Athletic’s Michael Russo @RussoHockey
Highlight-reel goal by Matt Boldy. 1-0 USA
Bostons’ What Chaos hockey podcaster Pete Blackburn @PeteBlackburn
MATT BOLDY 🇺🇸 Unbelievable goal
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman
I know Boldy is a great player but if you have told me he could get through Toews and Makar like that, I wouldn’t have believed you. That was a shocking goal.
Oiler’s Brad Lauder @OILfanincowtown
Top (Canadian d-man) pair got completely walked on the first goal
Detroit hockey writer George Malik @georgemalik
This is gonna be that kind of game–so evenly-played that little mistakes, teeny tiny missed coverages, are going to be the difference.
Boldy scores giving U.S.A. the 1-0 lead pic.twitter.com/a46U1uOOru
Flo hockey editor Chris Peters @chrismpeters
Only will be remembered pending the final result, but simply one of the most skilled plays we’ve seen from an American at the Olympics.
The Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis @SEllisHockey
Matt Boldy just split past Cale Makar and Devon Toews and USA leads 1-0. That was pretty.
Oilers fan 🇨🇦 Putting On The Foil 🏒 @potf_racki
That USA goal, nice by Boldy.. real stinker for the Canada D (Makar/Toews) and Binnington, however.
Oilers Nation writer Sid 🇨🇦 @NHL_Sid
So many wasted plays by Parayko man
Oilers fan Rob Soria @Oil_Drop
We all knew the Team Canada D would likely struggle transitioning the puck and the USA would not and that’s exactly how it’s palyed out through 10 mins. Canada will have to find a way to overcome it, as it’s a major problem.
NHL.com’s Dan Rosen @drosennhl
Auston Matthews’ backcheck on Macklin Celebrini might have saved a goal.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski @wyshynski
Matthews trying to win the Selke in this game
Los Angeles podcaster Empty Netters @EmptyNettersPod
Canada is firing right now. Lotta boys fumbling pucks. Need everyone to shake out the nerves. Woooo sahhhh
Detroit hockey writer George Malik @georgemalik
Hellebuyck looks dialed in as he stops the 8th shot of the period…
CBC’s Mike Johnson
Oh my goodness. That might be a hook but relative to the stuff that goes on elsewhere during this game, I’m surprised that’s the first penalty. On Shea Theodore. That’s not even a hook, it’s a stick into the chest area.
Toronto hockey fan Paul Campbell @WayToGoPaul
Officiating is like the weather. Let the rain fall on your face without anger.
Detroit hockey writer George Malik @georgemalik
Ugh, Matthews tried to pass when he had a perfect shooting opportunity. :/ He’s been great this game, so I’ll say, “Get ‘er next time.”
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun @PierreVLeBrun
Pretty even first period. Two things so far:
1) Canadian forwards struggling to find open space around the net, the American blue-liner doing a really good job shutting that down. No rebound looks.
2) Canadian D getting hemmed in too much, struggling with American forecheck.
The Athletic’s James Mirtle @mirtle
Auston Matthews might have been best player on ice in first 20.
TSN’s Chris Johnston @reporterchris
Connor Hellebuyck was dialed in on a couple early chances and Matt Boldy made an elite offensive play on the opening goal. Big penalty kill for Canada before the intermission.
TSN’s Travis Yost @travisyost
Doesn’t matter who you are. If you aren’t calibrating to the tempo of this game you can and will turn it over and cause immediate disaster. Trocheck, Doughty, Marchand, Tkachuk —several others slow to read speed of this game.
NHL great Chris Pronger @chrispronger
Physical start to 🇨🇦🇺🇸 gold medal game. Pace looks unreal. Things are happening fast out there. Cannot get cute. This game will be won with meat and potatoes. Canada has got to get a presence in front of Hellebuyck if they are going to score.
Oilers fan Trent Wilhauk @TheMrWilhauk
You got to have puck movers on the back end… And Canada doesn’t. That’s what you get for leaving your best offensive defenceman at home and your best guy at the event only plays one period before getting hurt… Stupid decisions by this Management could cost Canada gold
Vancouver hockey writer Jeff Paterson @patersonjeff
the Tom Wilson hit was great. No doubt. But it can’t be the only highlight CBC has to show from this game.
CBC’s Mike Johnson
An adjustment for Canada. Nathan MacKinnon, Marner and Stone. Jon Cooper going with a different look. We have not seen this at any point in the tournament prior to this opening shift.
Flo Hockey’s Chris Peters @chrismpeters
USA has survived some really scrambly shifts in the second period. On their heels more, but still have a good counter attack. Playing with a little bit of fire at the moment.
Boston hockey writer Kevin Paul Dupont @GlobeKPD
Can hear the “JAWS” music well up when Canada shows urgency in O zone.
CBC’s Chris Cuthbert
Devon Toews gave it away! And a stop by Binnington.
New York hockey writer Mollie Walker @MollieeWalkerr
Connor Hellebuyck just denied Connor McDavid on a breakaway.
WHL hockey scout Dan Tencer @dantencer
Three or four really close calls for Canada there…great push. But also gave up two great looks against out of nowhere…very good work by Binnington.
Oilers fan Putting On The Foil 🏒 @potf_racki
Wow, now Makar draws a call.. 90s 5-on-3
CBC’s Mike Johnson
It’s a can-opener from McAvoy. So this is a golden opportunity. 93 seconds 5-on-3.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski @wyshynski
Canada is very skilled at drawing penalties!
Vancouver hockey writer Jeff Paterson @patersonjeff
Gotta give MacKinnon benefit of doubt on a one-timer from his spot, but when he missed the net and puck went all the way down the ice, sort of set the tone for fumbled 5-on-3
Betalytic’s Rachel Kryshak 🇨🇦 @RachelKryshak
The worst time to Canada to have their worst PP execution of the Olympics. WOOOOF.
NHL.com’s Dan Rosen @drosennhl
Debate it all you want, but that 5-on-3 kill in the gold medal game proved the U.S. correct for having Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller on this team. The U.S. is 17-for-17 on the PK in the tournament and those two are a huge part of it.
Oilers fan Matt Henderson Arch @Archaeologuy
They keep wasting the 97 line by playing them with defenders who can’t pass. This is a gift to the US.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun @PierreVLeBrun
Team USA playing with fire here, it’s been all Team Canada the last 3-4 minutes. Hellebuyck with another key save there on Makar.
TSN’s Travis Yost @travisyost
America trying to give Hellebuyck the full Winnipeg Jets Experience here. Not ideal.
The NHL.com’s Dan Rosen @drosennhl
Cale Makar from the right circle ties it up at 18:16 of the second period. That felt inevitable with the way Canada was attacking. It’s 1-1.
The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn 🇨🇦 @domluszczyszyn
LETS GOOOOOO
THATS MY BEST DEFNESEMAN IN THE WORLD
CBC’s Mike Johnson
This shot is perfection. Just above the pad. That’s one-on-one, Makar – Hellebuyck. And Canada’s been pushing and finally drawns even.
Former NHLer Jason Demers @jasondemers5
Brandon Hagel with the pick of the tournament off the draw leads to Brock Nelson having to respect Devon Toews. That leaves Cale Makar wide open down Main Street!!! All Square
CALE MAKAR 🚨
CANADA DRAWS EVEN 1-1 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/XonnUpgGTl
Toronto hockey writer Ken Campbell @Ken_Campbell27
Canada has demonstrably been the better team in the second period.
CBC’s Mike Johnson
You see this Faber shot. That was a double doink, post-post and out. A game of inches. And can’t gets a break there late in the second. That would have been tough to handle after finally getting a tie game.
Boston hockey commentator Pete Blackburn @PeteBlackburn
That Faber double-post is haunting. Cherry on top of an absolutely excruciating period. SCARY HOURS
Datalytic’s Rachel Kryshak 🇨🇦 @RachelKryshak
If you’re looking to have a heart attack, watching Jordan Binnington is a good way to do it. He might make the saves, but it is an ADVENTURE
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman
I thought that was Canada’s best period of the medal around
Spittin’ Chiclets podcater Ryan Whitney @ryanwhitney6
20 minutes left. It’s a war out there. Incredible 5 on 3 kill and didn’t really gain any momentum after. Final half of the period was all Canada. Need this intermission to regroup and start playing in Canadas end. No panic. Only belief. It’s our time 🇺🇸
The AP’s Stephen Whyno @SWhyno
Devon Toews at the edge of the crease just missed a WIDE open net and shoots it off the right post.
WHL hockey scout Dan Tencer @dantencer
How did he not just tap it in??? Oh my goodness
CBC’s Chris Cuthbert
Toews talking to himself on the Team Canada bench
Oilers fan AllHustleNoHands @stevezieskidoo
I was celebrating, I thought that was in.
Wut
A
Save
The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn🇨🇦 @domluszczyszyn
this is officially the greatest save of all time
😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/g9s3Rj5oAf
Boston hockey commentator Nicholas W. Goss @NickGossNBCSB
That save by Hellebuyck is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Wow!
NHL.com’s Dan Rosen @drosennhl
Connor Hellebuyck stops Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway with a right pad save.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski @wyshynski
Team USA trying to prevent Canada from winning instead of trying to beat Canada. Tale as old as time.
Ex-NHLer Jason Demers @jasondemers5
USA looking shellshocked right now. Hellebuyck is god mode right now.
Oilers fan Paul Almeida @AzorcanGlobal
If not for Hellebuyck #Canada would have put this game away already.
CBC’s Chris Cuthbert
It’s in front! Oh, MacKinnon missed an open side! What a chance for Nathan MacKinnon. Another squandered opportunity.
The Athletic’s James Mirtle @mirtle
Shots are 28-9 for Canada since the first period now.
Vancouver Sportsnet’s Jeff Paterson @patersonjeff
McDavid breakaway ❌
5 on 3 PP ❌
Toews empty net ❌
Celebrini breakaway ❌
MacKinnon empty net ❌
Oilers fan Collin Capone @PokerCapone
This game is insane
Detroit hockey commentator George Malik @georgemalik
OW. Bennett’s flat of his blade whacked Hughes hard. Like I said, single-game elimination, anything can happen.
Sam Bennett takes a 4 minute double minor for high sticking Jack Hughes pic.twitter.com/OFguXcLlwq
CBC’s Mike Johnson
High sticks are high sticks. After about 30 minutes were they have dominated, the US gets the (four-minute) power play late.
Boston podcaster Pete Blackburn @PeteBlackburn
That’s the best high-stick you’ll ever eat, Jack
Los Angeles podcaster Empty Netters @EmptyNettersPod
Historic melt down by USA here on this power play and is not handing Canada a peeper with 3 minutes left. Woof. Here we go Canada 👀🇨🇦
CBC’s James Duthie
Canada fully deserving. They played their best game of the tournament by far. They’ve been by far the better the team on the ice. But if somehow they don’t win this game all this chances in the third period will haunt them for a long time.
CBC’s Kevin Bieksa
A lot of these guys aren’t going to sleep very well if they don’t get the next goal… It’s been the best game I’ve ever watched.
Detroit hockey commentator George Malik @georgemalik
FWIW I know that 3-on-3 overtime pisses off most of us, but I’d rather have this game decided by players than the potentially inevitable after-20-minutes-of-OT shootout. Just let the players decide it, please.
Oilers fan Waddsy 🇨🇦 @waddsy19
Canada’s game is intact. Clearly the better team. 3-on-3 is a ridiculous way to solve a gold medal game.
Colorado hockey writer Adrian Dater @adater
MacKinnon has made a lot of defensive mistakes in Avs 3-on-3 OT losses. Be interesting to see how much he’s out there. He has also ended several games with OT goals
CBC’s Mike Johnson
Jordan Binnington, what can say? What a save to stop it. Hughes puts it upstairs and just by the tip of his glove Binnington keeps this game alive
CBC’s Chris Cuthbert
Jack Hughes has won it for the United States
Boston hockey commentator Kevin Paul Dupont @GlobeKPD
Jack Hughes, who mows the lawn.
Edmonton hockey writer Terry Jones @byterryjones
Canada out-played USA. But gave the game away in OT.
TSN’s Travis Yost @travisyost
Connor Hellebuyck welcome to the Hall of Fame.
Oilers fan Madi-🇨🇦🥇🇨🇦 @Madi39
lol what a joke. Should have been 5-0 Canada. Not sure you can dominate a game like that and then lose in that fashion
Ottawa hockey writer Alex Adams @alexadamsBTP_
The game should have never been decided in a 3 on 3 OT. Let the better team win.
Oilers fan Mark 📸 @TheLineBlender
They played like individuals in OT. Regrouped and constantly tried to carry it in alone. Terrible 3on3 strategy by Team Canada. Deeply unfortunate
Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer @Bob_Stauffer
Great Game. Got beat by a Great Goaltending performance! Canada couldn’t play much better than they did in the 2nd and 3rd period.
Oilers hockey analyst Mathew Panchyshyn @mathewjdp
Canada… by far the better team… loses gold. We will be back in 4 years, and the team will be even better.
Montreal hockey commentator Eric Engels @EricEngels
Connor Hellebuyck delivers the game of his life to exorcize his demons.
Team U.S.A. wins men’s hockey gold in OT pic.twitter.com/h5HMBZIEz7
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski @wyshynski
UUUUUUUUSSSAAAAAAASDSAASDFDFSAASDFAFSDASDASDEQWD
Sportsnet Vancouver’s Jason Brough 🙁 @SadClubCommish
It is impossible we just lost that game. Impossible. How?
The Cult of Hockey’s David Staples
It doesn’t feel like Team Canada lost. It feels like Hellebuyck won. Canada dominated the game, lost in stupid 3-on-3 OT.
Canada got goalied, USA gets gold.
Oilers fan Jake @OilAcumen
Connor Hellebuyck stick save is the story of the tournament really. Without that it’s game over, Canada was dominant overall
Oilers fan Ahmed @NHL_Bouchard
McDavid I love you but you’re embarrassing in big games . Figure it the f*ck out.
Oilers fan Tyson Munro @Tys35
McDavid was 0-0-0 -2 today
Oilers fan jim @sandwedge99
A bad pinch was the difference in OT. Congratulations to the US and all respect to our Team Canada.
Toronto hockey commentator Alan Strachan @winsford99
Having spent most of the time since the game scrolling through X, I can safely say that every individual on Team Canada has been criticized for something. My view is that these guys played their hearts out and gave their all. Some recognition of that might not be a bad idea.
Sportsnet’s Kevin Bieksa
Proud as a Canadian hockey player the way they’re carrying themselves, the biggest loss of their lives. But for Canada, it’s still our game. Right? We’re still the best in the world. We didn’t win this one, but I think when you put best effort on the ice you accept the results.
Toronto hockey commentator Ken Campbell @Ken_Campbell27
I dare say that if they play 5-on-5, Canada wins this game.
Winnipeg hockey writer Murat Ates @WPGMurat
One game, winner take everything… You gotta bury. Canada did everything but actually win the dangdarned game. Congratulations to Connor Hellebuyck, though. Maybe the world will accept his quality now that he’s won on this stage.
Toronto Sportsnet’s JD Bunkis @JDBunkis
Honestly if you’re an American celebrating that win you’re a casual who doesn’t know puck. Totally fine, grow the game.
The Cult of Hockey’s David Staples @dstaples
Canada 27 Grade A shots, USA 14 Subset of most dangerous 5-alarm shots: Canada 13, USA, 9. Great game. Tough loss.
Team Canada players: A+
Team Canada management selection committee: D
Matthew Schaefer, Evan Bouchard and Jacob Chychrun all watched this game from home and all were needed with Josh Morrissey’s injury, and Canada was down to one exceptional puck-mover in Makar.
Vancouver commentator Matthew Sekeres @mattsekeres
Could’ve done without McDavid’s hero act in OT. Attacks 1-on-3 twice?
Canadian Press writer Joshua Clipperton @JClipperton_CP
A gutted Nathan MacKinnon: “You be the judge of who was the better team today.”
The Cult of Hockey’s David Staples
McDavid in on 10 Grade A shots this game, Celebrini and MacKinnon eight each. A clever and effective hook stopped McDavid from scoring on his best chance, a second period breakaway. Overall in the tournament he helped create 46 Grade A shots at even strength, making mistakes on just three against.
Oilers fan RG3 @rascalgas
Let’s be gracious. Stop pointing fingers or making excuses. Better team didn’t win, but shit happens in overtime.
Edmonton Oilers fan ABBA Oil 🇨🇦 @Adam_B888
Ok… I’m gonna need to see Connor lifting the cup this year to get over this crap YOU HEAR ME!?!?
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