preCharge News SPORTS — The U.S. men’s hockey team defeated Canada 2–1 in overtime in a thrilling Olympic gold-medal game, capturing its first men’s hockey gold in 46 years — exactly the same gap since the iconic Miracle on Ice.

Jack Hughes Delivers the Golden Goal

Overtime Winner Caps Unbeaten Tournament Run

Jack Hughes, who lost teeth after taking a high stick earlier in the game, scored the winning goal 1:41 into 3-on-3 overtime off a pass from Zach Werenski, setting off a wild celebration as Canada’s players watched from the bench.

“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “USA-Canada — such a good game. We’re underdogs to Canada, but we beat them. It could have gone either way.”

A Modern Powerhouse, Not an Underdog Story

Team USA Dominates Behind NHL Talent and Elite Goaltending

Unlike the college-heavy roster that shocked the world in 1980, this U.S. team at the Olympic Winter Games was stacked with NHL stars and went unbeaten throughout the tournament.

The Americans rode goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 of 42 shots, including multiple point-blank chances late in regulation.

“He was our best player by a mile,” Hughes said.

Game Breakdown: Goals, Saves, and Missed Chances

Early U.S. Lead, Late Canadian Equalizer

The U.S. struck first when Matt Boldy scored exactly six minutes into the game, maneuvering past Devon Toews and Cale Makar, then beating goalie Jordan Binnington with a backhand.

Canada tied the game late in the second period when Makar scored with an assist from Toews.

Both teams had power-play opportunities in the third period, but neither could break the deadlock before overtime.

Hellebuyck Steals the Spotlight

Save of the Tournament Secures Gold

Hellebuyck made the save of the tournament in the third period by deflecting a Toews shot with his stick, then minutes later denied Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway.

Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau

Emotional Moment on Olympic Ice

Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey during the celebration, honoring the star who was killed along with his brother in 2024.

Gaudreau’s parents, widow Meredith, and their children were in attendance. The game coincided with his son John Jr.’s second birthday.

Presidential Praise and Locker Room Celebration

Trump Congratulates Team USA

Donald Trump congratulated the team in a Truth Social post and later spoke with players via video call.

“He just spoke to the group, expressing how proud he was,” said head coach Mike Sullivan.

A Full-Circle Olympic Moment

Miracle on Ice Hero Watches History Repeat

Among those in attendance was Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 U.S. team that stunned the Soviet Union en route to gold at Lake Placid.

Forty-six years later, another generation of Americans etched its own chapter into Olympic hockey history — this time, as favorites who delivered.

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Associated Press, CNBC News, Fox News, and preCharge News contributed to this report.