While the standard league schedule is paused, all the NHL news on Sunday, February 22, 2026, revolves around one monumental event: the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Ice Hockey Gold Medal Game. The hockey world collectively held its breath as two bitter rivals—the United States and Canada—clashed in Milano Cortina.
For the first time since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” 46 years ago, Team USA is bringing home Olympic gold after a heart-stopping overtime victory over a favored Canadian squad.
Jack Hughes Plays Hero as USA Ends 46-Year Gold Medal Drought
With the weight of a nation on their shoulders, the United States executed a masterclass in resilience. The game was an instant classic, marked by breathtaking goaltending, heavy physical play, and edge-of-your-seat drama.
February 22, 2026 – Olympic Hockey Score & Highlights
- Final Score: Team USA 2, Team Canada 1 (OT)
- First Period: Matt Boldy (USA) opened the scoring six minutes into the game, flipping the puck between Canadian defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews to slide a brilliant backhand past Jordan Binnington.
- Second Period: Cale Makar (CAN) wired a wrist shot over Connor Hellebuyck’s pad late in the frame to tie the game at 1-1.
- Overtime: Just 1:41 into 3-on-3 OT, Jack Hughes (USA) took a perfect cross-ice feed from Zach Werenski and sniped the golden goal past Binnington.
The true MVP for Team USA was undoubtedly goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who put on a clinic by stopping 41 of 42 shots. Hellebuyck robbed Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway and made a tournament-defining desperation stick save against Devon Toews in the third period. For his efforts, Hellebuyck was named the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.
On the other side of the ice, Canada had to play without captain Sidney Crosby, who was ruled out due to a lower-body injury. Connor McDavid wore the “C” in his absence and was named the tournament’s most valuable player after leading all skaters with 13 points.
Amidst the wild celebrations, there was a deeply moving tribute. American players Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Werenski skated around the ice holding up Johnny Gaudreau’s USA jersey, a poignant reminder of the beloved forward who passed away in 2024. “He’s on everybody’s mind,” U.S. captain Auston Matthews noted after the win. “We’ve had his jersey in the locker room every game.”
As the Olympic break winds down, standard NHL news is beginning to trickle back in. On the trade front, Blake Coleman was activated from IR, telling reporters, “I’m a Flame until I’m told I’m not,” and Alex Tuch reiterated his focus on being a Buffalo Sabre despite swirling rumors.
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