The men’s Olympic ice hockey tournament is history. In a thrilling and high-class encounter between Canada and the USA, the “stars and stripes” had the better end for themselves.
Everything was arranged in the Santa Giulia ice arena: the two top favorites Canada and the USA met in the final. Exactly the encounter that many fans had been waiting for – for many years. For the first time since Sochi 2014, NHL cracks took part in the title fights and the superstars delivered.
The USA got off to a better start and were able to put pressure on the Canadians right from the start, who always needed a little time to get into the game in this tournament. The first goal came after exactly six minutes: Matt Boldy left the two Colorado Avalanche teammates Devon Toews and Cale Makar standing and was able to beat Canada goalkeeper Jordan Binnington. Canada got into the game better after that, but there were no further goals in Section 1.
In the second 20 minutes, the Maple Leafs took more and more command. The USA took two penalties due to the increasing pressure, but survived a difficult 5on3 outnumbered phase. Shortly before the second break, Canada also found its way onto the scoreboard. A face-off in the attack zone was won, Devon Toews pushed the puck to Cale Makar, who was completely free, and he defeated the brilliantly performing Connor Hellebuyck “far side”.
Canada also had strong field superiority in Section 3 and dominated the USA, which occasionally became dangerous on counterattacks. Toews and Nathan MacKinnon missed the right shots in the third period: Toews failed because of Hellebuyck’s ball, MacKinnon only hit the side netting when the goal was empty. The USA saved itself over time and forced a 3on3 overtime.
In this one, Canada’s superstar Connor McDavid tried to go it alone twice, but was unable to create a compelling scoring opportunity. The USA took advantage of their chance, Zach Werenski served Jack Hughes in an exemplary manner, who saved the Americans. The revenge for the 2010 Olympic final was successful.
For the USA it was the third gold medal after 1960 (Squaw Valley) and 1980 (Lake Placid). Nine-time gold medalists Canada took silver for the fourth time today. Connor McDavid was voted MVP of the tournament. Connor Hellebuyck as the best goalkeeper, Quinn Hughes as the best defender. The following made it into the “all star team” for the games in Milan and Cortina: Connor Hellebuyck (USA), Quinn Hughes (USA), Cale Makar (CAN), Connor McDavid (CAN), Macklin Celebrini (CAN) and Juraj Slavkovsky (SVK). There was a nice gesture shortly after the end of the encounter: a jersey from Johnny Gaudreau and his #13 was included in the celebration scenes by cracks from the US team.
Winter Olympics – Milano Cortina 2026 – Final
Canada : USA – 1:2 nV (0:1|1:0|0:0|0:1)
Goals: 0:1 Boldy (7th), 1:1 Makar (39th), 1:2 Hughes J. (62nd)
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