Jack Hughes Teeth Bared as Overtime Goal Gives U.S. Olympic Hockey Gold

jack hughes teeth became an unexpected headline after the forward, bloodied and missing teeth from a third-period high stick, scored the winning overtime goal to give the United States a 2-1 victory over Canada and Olympic gold at the Milan Cortina Games.

Hughes finished it in extra time

Jack Hughes, a 24-year-old forward for the New Jersey Devils, put the puck past Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington a little more than 1 1/2 minutes into extra time to break a 1-1 game and win the men’s hockey final on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, in Milan. The finish capped a game that the U. S. had not won for Olympic gold since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice. "

Jack Hughes Teeth drew blood before overtime

Hughes arrived at overtime with a bloody mouth and fewer teeth after taking a stick to the mouth from Sam Bennett in the third period; one report noted two of his front teeth were missing and Hughes said he had looked down on the ice and seen his teeth. He also noted he had had one tooth knocked out in an NHL game a few years ago.

Hellebuyck starred in goal

Connor Hellebuyck anchored the U. S. defense with 41 saves on 42 shots. The three-time Vezina Trophy winner made a key stick save on Devon Toews at the doorstep and kept the Americans alive for Hughes’ overtime winner.

Family, teammates and emotion on the ice

Quinn Hughes, Jack’s older brother and a 26-year-old defenseman on the U. S. team, praised Jack’s passion and called him a gamer who made it happen. Teammates honored the memory of Johnny Gaudreau — who would have been part of the roster if not for a tragedy that cost him and his brother their lives — by skating with his jersey and bringing out his children for the team photo.

Aftermath and the end of the Games

Jack Hughes celebrated a historic finish for the United States, and other teammates figured that Hughes would be just fine with unclear in the provided context. Two weeks and 116 medal events later, the 2026 Winter Olympics have concluded.