With NHL all-stars on both sides skating this time, perhaps it wasn’t exactly another “Miracle on Ice,” but the gold-medal game between Team USA and Team Canada certainly had memorable plot twists and another stunning, storybook conclusion for the Americans
Jack Hughes’ deciding goal in 3-on-3 overtime gave the the U.S. a 2-1 victory over the Canadians and their first gold medal since the legendary 1980 team defeated the Soviet Union and Finland in the semifinals and finals.
Hughes was an obvious social media celebrity immediately after the game. In addition to his winning shot in overtime, Hughes drew a double-minor high-sticking penalty to his face late in the third period and will need some dental work before he returns to the NHL to play with the New Jersey Devils.
Team Canada survived the four-minute penalty at the end of the third period, in part due to another penalty against Hughes, but the 24-year old forward returned to score 41 seconds into the overtime.
Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was heroic in net with 41 saves, rescuing his teammates multiple times when Canada had favorable scoring chances.
Here is a bit of notable celebratory reaction to the third USA hockey gold medal following the game:
Hockey News