Jack Hughes Teeth, Hellebuyck’s 41 Saves Propel U.S. to Olympic Hockey Gold
The United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture men's hockey gold at the Milan Cortina Games, a victory made more dramatic because jack hughes teeth were knocked out earlier in the game. The decisive goal came in 3-on-3 overtime, and the result closed out the 2026 Winter Olympics after two weeks and 116 medal events.
Jack Hughes Teeth: High stick from Sam Bennett left him bloody
Jack Hughes, a 24-year-old forward for the New Jersey Devils, took a stick to the mouth from Sam Bennett in the third period that left his mouth bloody and, by the end of the game, with two of his front teeth missing. Hughes later said he looked down on the ice and saw his teeth; he has also had one tooth knocked out in an NHL game a few years earlier. His older brother Quinn Hughes, 26, a defenseman for the U. S. team, praised Jack's passion and called him a gamer who made it happen. Other teammates thought he would be fine, though the provided context does not complete that thought.
Overtime winner beats Jordan Binnington after 1 1/2 minutes
The gold-clinching tally came a little more than 1 1/2 minutes into the 3-on-3 overtime when Hughes ripped a shot past Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington to make it 2-1. That finish in extra time followed a tense regulation period and gave the United States its first Olympic men's hockey gold since the 1980 Miracle on Ice at Lake Placid.
Connor Hellebuyck’s 41-of-42 performance kept the U. S. alive
While Hughes supplied the heroics, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck delivered the foundational work. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner stopped 41 of 42 shots, a performance that included a blocker save on Devon Toews at the doorstep that preserved the tie late in regulation. Hellebuyck’s day made him the clear player of the game and ensured the Americans reached overtime with a chance to win.
Johnny Gaudreau honored by teammates in Milan
The victory also carried a somber undertone: teammates paid tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and his family after a tragedy that cost him and his brother their lives. The U. S. players skated with Gaudreau’s jersey and brought his children out for the team photo, making the celebration both a victory lap and a moment of remembrance.
Milan Cortina Games close after two weeks and 116 medal events
The U. S. gold ended the tournament on a high note as the 2026 Winter Olympics concluded following two weeks and 116 medal events. Players pointed to a larger narrative of an emerging generation inspired by past Olympic moments, referencing teams that fell short in 2010 and memorable performances such as the 2014 shootout run. What makes this notable is that Hughes converted the decisive chance despite a facial injury that cost him teeth earlier in the game, underscoring both individual resilience and the team’s depth.
In brief, the game featured a 2-1 final score, a timely overtime strike by Hughes, and a goaltending display by Hellebuyck that included 41 saves. The injuries to Hughes—his bloody mouth and lost teeth—did not prevent the New Jersey Devil from delivering the winning shot that sealed U. S. gold in Milan.
