Team USA has found itself in an absolute battle against Canada during the men’s hockey gold medal game, and Connor Hellebuyck has become an instant legend for America.
The NHL goaltender made 40 saves during the first three periods of the 2026 Winter Olympics final against the U.S.’ biggest rival, however, one moment stood out on social media.
During the third period, Hellebuyck stunned hockey fans with a stick save to deny Canada a clear goal from inside the USA goal crease.
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Jack Hughes managed to steal the spotlight in overtime by leading Team USA to the game-winning goal. However, Hellebuyck’s brilliance in goal kept America in the game when Canada presented relentless pressure.
Overall, the NHL star added one more critical save in overtime before Hughes’ decisive goal to lead USA to their first gold medal since 1980. The last time the Americans captured gold came 46 years ago to the day when Team USA shocked the hockey world and beat the number one ranked Soviet Union.
MORE: USA vs. Canada gold medal result, full list of goal scorers
Connor Hellebuyck takes the ice before the game against Slovakia in a men’s ice hockey final during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
The U.S. managed to claw and fight throughout the final to ensure their country would have a different result than in 2025. Last year, Canada won the Four Nations final in dramatic overtime fashion, but the Americans flipped the script in Milan Cortina.
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