Exactly 46 years after the original Miracle on Ice, the U.S. men’s hockey team decided to remind the world who’s boss on the ice. Sunday night, Team USA beat Canada 2-1 in OT to snag Olympic gold, and it was the kind of game that makes you want to throw your couch through your TV.
Canada’s Cale Makar tried to make it interesting, tying it up with just 1:44 left in the second period, but that was basically the last bit of hope Canada had. Enter Connor Hellebuyck, who was an absolute brick wall for Team USA. The Winnipeg Jets goalie stopped 41 shots, made Canada look like amateurs at times, and basically reminded everyone why goalies are basically gods on skates.
Then, in true cinematic fashion, Jack Hughes said “hold my stick” and ended it all. With 1:41 left in overtime, Hughes ripped one past the Canadian netminder and gold medal secured. Cue the bald eagle screaming.
Hughes, bloodied, teeth missing, and clearly loving life, gave props to his teammates:
“Hellebuyck, he was our best player tonight, by a mile. USA Hockey brotherhood means so much. Look at these guys. We’re such a team.”
And honestly, it doesn’t get more American than this. Ballsy, gutsy, and perfectly chaotic. Canada brought a great squad, but the stars aligned and Team USA pulled off a hockey miracle for the ages.
If you weren’t cheering, rooting, or screaming at your TV by the end of OT…well, you probably hate America.
