46 Years Later: Werenski Sets Up Jack Hughes’ OT Winner As USA Stuns Canada for Olympic Gold

By Will Chase on February 22, 2026 at 11:34 am
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Auston Matthews (34) of the United States, Zach Werenski (8) of the United States and Matthew Tkachuk (19) of the United States hold up the jersey of John Gaudreau after defeating Canada in the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
© Amber Searls-Imagn Images
14 Comments

Once again, Team USA is golden.

Jack Hughes' goal 1:41 into overtime solidified a 2-1 win as Team USA beat Team Canada on Sunday from Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena to win gold for the first time since 1980.

Zach Werenski had the key assist to set Hughes up for the winning goal as he and the rest of the American hockey team etched themselves in history.

Matt Boldy started the scoring for Team USA. Connor Hellebuyck, named the best goaltender of the Olympics, made 41 saves, the most by a goalie in a gold medal game involving NHL players.

Cale Makar scored for Canada, and Jordan Binnington made 26 stops.

The victory comes 46 years to the day of the Miracle on Ice when Team USA defeated the Soviets 4-3 at Lake Placid.

Here's how one of the most memorable hockey games went down:

First Period

(6:00 - Team USA Goal) Matt Boldy and the Americans struck first.

Team USA's first shot on goal was the goal that gave the Americans the 1-0 lead at the 6:00 mark. Auston Matthews (4) and Quinn Hughes (7) got the assists. It's Boldy's second goal of the Olympics.

Second Period

(18:16 - Team Canada) A 1-0 lead late into the second period, it felt like a matter of time before Canada responded with the equalizer. Cale Makar's second goal of the Olympics tied the game 1-1, finally beating an outstanding Hellebuyck in net. Colorado Avalanche teammate Devon Toews got his second assist of the tournament.

(1:41 - Team USA) Werenski's fifth assist of the Olympics helped set up the game-winner as Hughes scored his fourth. The golden goal.

Just marveling at Werenski's ability to fight for, and keep the puck against Nathan MacKinnon deep in the Americans' zone, and get the puck to Hughes for the winner. Hellebuyck also got the assist. Werenski played 12:10 for the game.

And not to forget Hughes' own move around Makar to help move the puck up the ice to Werenski, who would in turn find Hughes for the tally.

Finally. Team USA is the best hockey team in the world. The USA finishes with 12 golds, its most ever in an Olympics, surpassing its previous high of 10 at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

This one is for Johnny Hockey.

14 Comments

CBJ 4, DET 3 (SO): Fantilli, Werenski, Greaves Keep Blue Jackets Season Alive With Dramatic Comeback Over Red Wings

The game — and season — looked to be over. Enter Adam Fantilli, whose goal with 17 seconds left in regulation propelled the Columbus Blue Jackets to a chaotic 4-3 comeback win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night.

Game Preview: Greaves, Blue Jackets Take On Gibson, Red Wings In High‑Stakes Clash

It’s the resistible force against the movable object Tuesday night when the Columbus Blue Jackets battle the Detroit Red Wings —but despite both teams’ struggles, the winner will see their playoff hopes rejuvenated.
View 14 Comments