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USA Hockey Captures Gold with Thrilling OT Win Over Canada
Jack Hughes' game-winning goal in overtime caps off a 20.7 million viewer audience for the Olympic hockey final.
Feb. 24, 2026 at 10:35pm
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In a dramatic finish, the U.S. men's hockey team defeated Canada 3-2 in overtime to win the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal just 1:41 into the extra period, capping off a thrilling contest that was watched by 20.7 million viewers on NBC. The victory marks the first Olympic gold for the U.S. men's hockey team since the famous "Miracle on Ice" triumph in 1980.
Why it matters
The U.S. hockey team's gold medal win was a major ratings success for NBC, drawing the network's second-highest audience for an Olympic hockey game since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The performance also provides a boost for the NHL as it returns from the Olympic break, building on the league's strong viewership numbers earlier in the season.
The details
With the game tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, the U.S. and Canada went to a three-on-three overtime period. Just 1:41 into OT, Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal for the U.S. after receiving a perfect pass from Zach Werenski. Hughes' goal capped off a thrilling contest that saw the U.S. outshot 42-28 but get a stellar performance from goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who posted a .976 save percentage.
- The gold medal game began at 8:10 a.m. ET on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
- The game peaked at 26 million viewers as Hughes scored the winning goal in overtime.
The players
Jack Hughes
A 24-year-old forward for the U.S. men's hockey team who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to clinch the gold medal.
Connor Hellebuyck
The U.S. men's hockey team's goaltender, who put up an impressive .976 save percentage to limit Canada to just one goal.
Mike Eruzione
The captain of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. men's hockey team, who gave a rousing speech to the 2026 squad before the gold medal game.
Zach Werenski
A U.S. men's hockey team defenseman who provided the perfect cross-crease pass to set up Jack Hughes' game-winning goal in overtime.
Sam Bennett
A Canadian forward who delivered the hit that knocked out some of Jack Hughes' teeth during the game.
What they’re saying
“I looked on the ice and saw my teeth. I was like, 'here we go again.'”
— Jack Hughes
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
The takeaway
The U.S. men's hockey team's thrilling gold medal victory over Canada not only captivated a national audience of over 20 million viewers, but also provided a major boost for the NHL as it returns from the Olympic break. The performance of players like Jack Hughes and Connor Hellebuyck has cemented the team's place in American hockey lore, echoing the legendary "Miracle on Ice" triumph 46 years earlier.
