Jack Hughes had two teeth knocked out, returned to the ice, and scored the overtime winner as the United States men's hockey team beat Canada 3-2 to win Olympic gold, ending a drought stretching back to 1980. The victory came 46 years to the day after the 'Miracle on Ice' in Lake Placid.
Canada dominated much of the game, outshooting the US 42-28, but goaltender Connor Hellebuyck delivered a sensational performance. He stopped breakaways from Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini, denied Devon Toews with his stick, and killed off a lengthy five-on-three power play in the second period. The US penalty kill finished the tournament a perfect 18-for-18.
Hughes lost his teeth late in the third period when struck by a stick from Canada's Sam Bennett, but returned immediately. In overtime, he received a cross-ice pass from Zach Werenski and fired through the five-hole for the winner. 'I kind of just saw a white jersey on the far ice and just tried to throw it over there as quick as I could,' Werenski said. 'I got it to the right guy. He's been hot all tournament.'
Hughes, 24, had endured a turbulent year, including criticism at the 4 Nations Face-Off and shoulder surgery. His brother Quinn, who led the US with eight points, said: 'He is an animal. He starts on the fourth line. He just kept going, mentally tough. He's gone through a lot with his shoulders. He takes a lot of shit. No one loves the game more than him.'
US forward Brock Nelson, whose uncle won gold in 1980, said: 'As a kid, when you're growing up and you're watching the Olympics, you kind of remember moments. I'm sure this is going to be a moment that younger kids are talking about.'
