USA celebrates Olympic gold - Canada defeated in overtime thriller

Canada and the United States faced off in the ice hockey final of the Milano-Cortina Olympics on Sunday.

The match turned out to be the expected thriller between the two best hockey nations in the world, with the USA’s Matthew Boldy opening the scoring six minutes into the first period.

Canada took control of the game in the second period and found itself on a two-man advantage for a minute and a half midway through the period. However, the outstanding play of Connor Hellebuyck in goal for the USA showed why he has been named the NHL’s best goaltender two years in a row.

Ultimately, Canada equalized with just under two minutes left in the second period with a precise shot from Cale Makar.

In the final period, Canada dominated the game, creating numerous excellent scoring opportunities. However, Hellebuyck’s amazing saves kept the game tied at 1-1.

In the third period, Canada was presented with a chance to take the lead on a silver platter, as both Devon Toews and Nathan MacKinnon completely failed to score from open chances.

Sam Bennett’s 2+2-minute penalty just six and a half minutes before the end of the third period gave the struggling Americans the keys to victory. The USA managed to create a furious pressure sequence on the goal guarded by Jordan Binnington, but the double minor ultimately dried up when Jack Hughes took a penalty for high sticking.

Canada, in turn, launched a fierce assault on the American defensive zone during Hughes’ penalty. The 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini stood out as the wasteful player, having several top chances to become his country’s national hero.

Ultimately, the game’s resolution had to be sought in a three-on-three overtime, which had only been played for 1:41 minutes before Jack Hughes scored the winning goal that brought Olympic gold to the USA. The assist on Hughes’ goal was provided by Zach Werenski.