Connor Hellebuyck will be credited with doing more to win Olympic gold for the US than any other singles player, as he blocked all but one shot during a ferocious Canadian offensive attack that essentially lasted the final two periods of the game.
But Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime, and he thrilled American fans again in his post-game interview.
Hughes scored 1:41 into the overtime period. He took a pass from Zack Werenski and beat Canadian netminder Jordan Binnington through the pads to win the game.
Speaking to NBC’s Katherine Tappen at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, an emotional Hughes told the world how he felt about his country’s victory and victory.
“It’s all about our country right now,” Hughes said. “I love USA. I love my teammates. It’s incredible, the USA hockey fraternity is so strong. We got a lot of support from former players. I’m very proud to be an American today.”
“Unbelievable play by (Connor) Hellebuyck,” Hughes said. “He was our best player by a mile tonight. Unreal play by our team. Just a gutsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey. That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re the USA, we’re very proud to be Americans. Tonight was all about the country.”
The victory gave the United States its first gold medal in Lake Placid since 1980 and its third in Olympic history. For Canada, it is their first silver medal in Lillehammer since 1994.
