Jack Hughes: jack hughes and Connor Hellebuyck lift U.S. to Olympic hockey gold
jack hughes delivered the overtime golden goal that gave Team USA a 2-1 victory over Canada in the men's ice hockey gold-medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The win came Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy, capping a tournament in which Hughes finished with 4 goals, 7 points and a +8 rating.
Jack Hughes's overtime winner
Jack Hughes, wearing No. 86, scored the game-winner early in overtime, getting a shot past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington to seal a 2-1 final. The goal ended the gold-medal game that had been tied after 60 minutes and followed a tight third period in which neither side scored. Coverage and social posts celebrated the moment with the headline: "JACK HUGHES DELIVERS AMERICA'S GOLDEN MOMENT IN OVERTIME. " One post noted "Jack Hughes with an all-time quote after his all-time moment in the Olympics. " Another praised him: "Jack Hughes is an American legend. " A separate mention said, "Jack Hughes delivers gold at the Olympics!"
Key moments and scoring
The scoring sequence began when Matt Boldy opened the game with the first-period goal for the Americans. Boldy, identified as a Minnesota Wild star, split two Canadian defenders and beat Binnington to give the U. S. the early lead. Canada tied the contest in the second period when Cale Makar evened the score. The third period produced no goals, sending the game to overtime and the eventual winner by Hughes.
Hellebuyck's 40-save night
American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 40 shots and was credited with key saves that preserved the tie through the late stages of regulation. One highlight post exclaimed: "THAT WAS ONE HELLE-BUYCK OF A STOP. " Observers called Hellebuyck's performance impressive and said the game "will be remembered for a while. "
Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau
Following the win at the Milano Cortina Olympics, Team USA carried the late Johnny Gaudreau's jersey onto the ice to honour him. Captain Auston Matthews, alternate Matthew Tkachuk and defenceman Zach Werenski held up Gaudreau's sweater while taking a lap after the victory. It was noted that Werenski played alongside Gaudreau on the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Americans also brought Johnny Gaudreau's kids onto the ice for the team photo.
Reactions, rivalries and quotes
Reactions ranged from coaching remarks to political commentary. Team Canada coach Jon Cooper said he was not using the 3-on-3 overtime as an excuse for losing the gold medal game, but he added that taking four players off the ice made the hockey "not hockey anymore. " Other commentary reflected on U. S. hockey history: "Finally. Forty-six years after the United States won its last men’s hockey gold medal at the Olympics, the U. S. has reached the top of the mountain again, ending Canada’s dominance in best-on-best hockey Sunday afternoon. "
President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social as the Americans celebrated in Milan, writing: "Congratulations to our great U. S. A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!" He added: "WHAT A GAME!!!" and: "LOTS OF WINNING!!!" Coverage noted that Trump’s political prodding of Canada helped reignite the rivalry between the two nations on the ice, a feud that began last year during the 4 Nations Face-Off. A photograph caption noted Trump danced after speaking at a rally at Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Georgia, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.
Beyond the gold-medal game itself, some commentary touched on club hockey. One line said, "The Devils have been one of the league’s biggest disappointments — but there are still several positives beneath the surface. " Another asked, "The New Jersey Devils need to get younger and more skilled. Who could they target to do so?"
Stat lines and social posts from the tournament underlined Hughes's impact: at the 2026 Olympics he recorded 4 goals, 7 points, a +8 rating and the Golden Goal for America.
Team USA’s 2-1 overtime victory over Canada on Feb. 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy, combined a dramatic finish from Jack Hughes with standout goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck and public tributes to the late Johnny Gaudreau.
