NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Olympic Hockey Highlights
Team USA espn.com claimed its first Olympic gold in men's hockey since 1980 after Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner against Canada. The Americans honored late forward Johnny Gaudreau espn.com by skating with his No. 13 jersey before bringing his children onto the ice for a touching celebration.
Canada espn.com entered the gold medal game without Sidney Crosby due to an undisclosed injury, though coach Jon Cooper later suggested Crosby had "a lot better chance" of playing. The Canadians had advanced through another nail-biter, scoring the game-winner with just 35.2 seconds remaining against their semifinal opponent.
Finland espn.com secured the bronze medal with a dominant 6-1 victory over Slovakia, marking their third consecutive Olympic bronze with NHL players participating. The Finns controlled the game throughout, building a comfortable lead by the second period.
Rivalry and Tournament Run
The U.S.-Canada rivalry reached new intensity as Brady Tkachuk espn.com acknowledged "there's hatred there" between the teams. Team USA espn.com had previously defeated Canada in a thrilling preliminary round matchup, with Hughes' overtime goal sealing the victory and setting up their eventual gold medal meeting.
Team USA espn.com showcased their offensive firepower with a 6-2 semifinal rout of Slovakia, setting up the championship clash. The Americans controlled play throughout, building a lead that Slovakia couldn't overcome despite late pressure.
Jaromir Jagr espn.com hinted at retirement after his 38th professional season with his hometown Kladno Knights in the Czech league. The NHL legend's potential farewell comes as Olympic hockey continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Celebrity Reactions and Legacy
Tom Brady espn.com and Devin Booker were among the high-profile athletes celebrating Team USA's gold medal victory. The win marked the Americans' first Olympic hockey championship since the legendary "Miracle on Ice" team in 1980, ending a 44-year drought.
Throughout the tournament, Team USA espn.com paid tribute to the Gaudreau brothers, keeping their memory alive during the gold medal run. The emotional journey culminated in the championship celebration that included Gaudreau's young children on the ice.