Forty-six years. Forty-six years since the "Miracle on Ice." And tonight in Milan-Cortina, Jack Hughes just authored the sequel.
The United States defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture Olympic hockey gold for the first time since 1980, and if you're looking for a hero, look no further than the 24-year-old from Orlando who buried the golden goal just 1:41 into the extra frame.
Hughes took a feed from Zach Werenski, streaked down the ice, and ripped it home past a helpless Jordan Binnington. Game over. USA wins. Pure bedlam.
Let me tell you something, folks – this wasn't just about one goal. This was about Connor Hellebuyck standing on his head for 60-plus minutes, making 41 saves including several that defied the laws of physics. When Canada had Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid bearing down on him with the game tied, Hellebuyck said "Not today."
And here's the kicker – Hellebuyck even got the secondary assist on Hughes' winner. A goalie with a point on the golden goal. You can't script it better than that.
Matt Boldy opened the scoring in the first period with a thing of beauty, chipping the puck to himself and splitting the Canadian defense. Cale Makar tied it late in the second with a quick wrister that gave life. But in overtime, was inevitable.
