Another miracle on Ice: Team USA men’s hockey takes home the gold
Photo courtesy of YESNetwork/Wikimedia Commons
The last time the United States Men’s Olympic hockey team won the gold medal back in 1980 against the Soviet Union, it was deemed a miracle on ice. Now, 46 years later to the day, the U.S. has finally recaptured that elusive gold medal with a 2-1 overtime victory over its detested rival, Canada. However, instead of a miracle, this time around, a USA victory feels more like a long-awaited coronation of a golden generation. Ironically enough, it was 24-year-old forward Jack Hughes who scored the game-winning “golden goal” in overtime. Hughes, who has long been touted as the next great American superstar, has managed to exceed those expectations and more as he etched his name alongside Mike Eruzione atop the pantheon of American hockey heroes. We will break down this historic sporting event from start to finish, and do our best to express in writing just how meaningful this game is not only to the 25 players who made up the Olympic roster, but to all of America whose pride and reverence for these athletes knows no bounds.
After a few Canadian scoring chances in the first couple of minutes of the contest, 24-year-old Matt Boldy, would open the scoring of the gold medal game with a jaw-dropping goal in which he split both of Canada's top defenders, then slid one past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington. The period would come to an end with the Americans holding a 1-0 lead. Goalkeeper Connor Helleybuck was brilliant, as he made several crucial saves to keep the USA ahead on the scoreboard.
The most notable moment of the second period came at 9:27 of the second period, when U.S. forward Jake Guentzel was penalized for hooking. Shortly after, the always diligent defenseman Charlie McAvoy would head to the box for the very same penalty. This set up Canada with a 5-3 power play for 1:33, and as American fans all around the country held their breath, the U.S. penalty kill went to work and managed to stomp out the Canadian power play. It was truly an incredible feat considering the Canadian power play unit comprises names such as forwards Connor McDavid, Nathan McKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini. However, despite Canada momentarily squandering that golden opportunity to tie the game, their relentless pressure and onslaught of shots against Connor Hellebuyck finally paid off when defenseman Cale Makar was able to find open space and wrist it past Hellebuyck to tie the game.
Once Makar found the equalizer, Canada smelled blood in the water and ramped up the pressure and intensity. This resulted in a lopsided third period, where Canada spent the majority of the period in their offensive zone, testing Hellebuyck with shot after shot. About a minute and a half in, Hellebuyck stopped defenseman Devon Toews, who had an open net, by denying him with his goalie stick at the very last second. The American goaltender's save could quite possibly go down as one of the greatest in not just Olympic history, but in the history of hockey.
As the third rolled on, both nations had their fair share of golden chances, but neither could cash in. It felt fitting that the gold medal game between the USA and Canada would go to overtime; both had needed overtime in their quarterfinal games. Now, one player had the chance to not only etch their name into hockey lore, but to become the pride of their entire nation.
As the 3-on-3 overtime period commenced, it became increasingly clear that fans would not have to wait long for a thrilling conclusion to one of the best international hockey games of all time. After several prime scoring opportunities, it was U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski who found Jack Hughes all alone in the slot, and despite the fact that Hughes had three teeth knocked out in the period prior, he made no mistake and rifled one past Jordan Binnington, which simultaneously sent his team and an entire country into a euphoric golden celebration.
While Jack Hughes will get his share of well-deserved praise, Connor Hellebuyck was the true architect behind the States’ victory. The Michigan native stopped 41 of 42 shots, and for the entire tournament finished with an astounding .956 save percentage. Jack Hughes, Connor Helleybuck, and the entire USA Men's Olympic hockey team, they will walk together forever as champions, with their success and triumph having a ubiquitous effect on all of America. As Hughes perfectly encapsulated in his post-game comments, “Proud to be an American.”