Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski made 'the play before The Play' in Team USA's gold medal win

Werenski's hustle and pass set up Jack Hughes' game-winning goal in overtime at the 2026 Olympics

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Zach Werenski, the star defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, played a crucial role in Team USA's gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. In the 3-on-3 overtime period, Werenski deflected a puck back into the offensive zone, raced to retrieve it, and then made a perfect pass to Jack Hughes, who scored the game-winning goal to clinch the gold medal for the Americans.

Why it matters

Werenski's play before Hughes' heroics is being hailed as the pivotal moment that led to Team USA's triumph. His hustle, vision, and passing ability on the game's biggest stage cemented his status as one of the NHL's elite defensemen and a key contributor to the United States' Olympic gold medal victory.

The details

With the game tied 2-2 in overtime, Team Canada appeared to have a transition opportunity, but Werenski stuck out his stick and deflected the puck back into the American zone. He then raced to get to the puck first, squared up, and delivered a perfect pass to Hughes, who buried the game-winner and secured the gold medal for Team USA.

  • The game-winning goal in overtime occurred on February 22, 2026.

The players

Zach Werenski

A star defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who played a crucial role in Team USA's gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Jack Hughes

The American forward who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to clinch the gold medal for Team USA.

Connor Hellebuyck

The American goaltender who had a strong performance in net to help Team USA win the gold medal.

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What they’re saying

“It's a moment that deserves just about as much praise as Hughes.”

— Billy Heyen, Author (sportingnews.com)

“It's Eli Manning, evading a crazy pass rush before the David Tyree helmet catch. It's Jarome Iginla, getting in position before feeding Sidney Crosby for the game winner in the 2010 gold medal game. And now it's Werenski.”

— Billy Heyen, Author (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

Werenski will be welcomed back to Columbus with a hero's reception, as the Blue Jackets have long recognized his value as one of the NHL's elite defensemen.

The takeaway

Zach Werenski's hustle, vision, and passing ability on the biggest stage of the 2026 Olympics cemented his status as a key contributor to Team USA's gold medal victory, with his play before Jack Hughes' game-winning goal being hailed as the pivotal moment that led to the Americans' triumph.