For the first time in 46 years the United States men’s hockey team won the gold medal in a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over Canada thanks to an overtime winner from Jack Hughes.
“It’s special,” said captain Auston Matthews. “It feels like it’s been too long. I think over the last 10, 15 years, there’s been a very big upcharge of American hockey players coming through in the NHL. They’re world-class players. This is the first time in my NHL career we’ve been allowed to compete in the Olympics. To have this opportunity it meant a lot to put USA hockey on the map. We did that.”
While the United States ended up on top, there were a few controversial moments during the game that had Canadian fans calling the game “rigged.”
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The United States appeared to get caught with too many men on the ice, which would have resulted in a power play for the Canadian side. However, the officials didn’t blow the whistle and play continued without a man advantage for Team Canada, which sparked fury from fans.
“You don’t call TOO MANY MEN but you call a 4 minute double minor?! RIGGED get out of here BYE,” one fan called out while another said, “RIGGED THERE WAS TOO MANY MEN ON THE ICE.”
“USA had hooks and holds all period. Too many men at end of period. Canadian refs are scared to call penalties against US cause everyone will say it’s rigged. What a joke,” suggested another.
Later in the game the Canada failed to score on a 5-on-3 power play and eventually lost in overtime as USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 41 of 42 shots en route to the overtime win.
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