The Canadians and the Americans renew their rivalry on the ice with the United States looking for their first gold in this event since the “Miracle on Ice” Games in 1980, while Canada has won the past two NHL Olympic tournaments in 2014 and 2010. Canada has beaten the U.S. for Olympic gold in 2002 and 2010 when NHL players took part in the Games.
THIRD PERIOD
No scoring in the third period means overtime will decide the gold medal. Teams will play 3-on-3 hockey until someone scores, no shootouts.
Canada’s Sam Bennett received a double-minor for high-sticking Jack Hughes in the face with just under 7 minutes to play in the game. However, the Americans failed to score, and with just under a minute left in the power play, the U.S. was assessed a penalty, giving Canada a chance to win the game on the power play.
Canada had a glorious chance to take the lead early in the third period. Mitch Marner put a shot on net, which went right to Devon Toews, who had a wide open net, only to have Connor Hellebuyck rob him with the paddle of his stick. Macklin Celebrini then had a breakaway but was stopped by Hellebuck.
SECOND PERIOD
Canada 1, USA 1: Canada finally breaks through for their first goal of the game from defenceman Cale Makar, who buries a shot from the left face-off circle past Connor Hellebuyck, who had looked sharp in turning aside the Canadian attack.
Canada had several changes to even the game before Makar’s goal. Connor McDavid was stopped on a breakaway, and they failed to capitalize on a 5-on-3 man advantage. Jordan Binnington makes a big save on Brock Nelson after a bad defensive zone turnover by Devon Toews with a pass into the slot while Brock Faber’s shot from the blue line hit both posts with less than a minute to go in the second period as the Americans were pressing to retake the lead.
The shots were even after the first period, but Canada now has a 27-16 shot advantage.
FIRST PERIOD
USA 1, Canada 0: The United States strikes first with its first shot on goal as Matt Boldy scores the opening goal of the game, splitting Cale Makar and Devon Toews on the play. It’s his first of the tournament, six minutes into the gold medal game.
PRE GAME
Canada will be without captain Sidney Crosby as it closes the Milan Cortina Olympics with a gold-medal showdown against the archrival United States.
Crosby sustained a lower-body injury during Canada’s quarterfinal win over Czechia after his right leg bent awkwardly on a hit.
He sat out Canada’s 3-2 semifinal win against Finland on Friday.
Connor McDavid will serve as captain in Crosby’s absence for a second straight day.
The Canadians and the Americans renew their rivalry after meeting at last year’s 4 Nation Face-Off tournament, which Canada won on a McDavid overtime goal.
The Americans are looking for their first gold in this event since the “Miracle on Ice” Games in 1980, while Canada has won the past two NHL Olympic tournaments in 2014 and 2010.
Canada has beaten the U.S. for Olympic gold in 2002 and 2010 when NHL players took part in the Games.
