USA gold sweeter because of who it beat, who it was playing for
USA TODAY
The USA reveled in beating archrival Canada, but also enjoyed winning a gold medal for the late Johnny Gaudreau.
MILAN - The gold medal meant more because of who ended up with silver. That's how much it meant to the USA men's hockey team to win the last game of the 2026 Winter Olympics, to join one of the most elite groups in hockey.
"It's the best feeling in the world," Dylan Larkin said. "To do it in this jersey and against that team with our history of not being able to beat those guys. It's incredible."
USA men had just made history, winning the gold medal 46 years on the nose after the "Miracle On Ice" squad upset the Soviet Union at the 1980 Lake Placid Games. Outplayed in regulation – Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves - all it took was 1:41 of 3-on-3 overtime for Jack Hughes to capitalize on a turnover and clinch a victory.
"It feels amazing," Zach Werenski said. "I don't think it's sunk in yet. It's a very special group to be a part of, and any time you get to wear these colors and represent your country, it's a huge honor."
More: USA miracle on ice again, beats Canada for men's hockey Olympic gold
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