U.S. claims first Olympic men's ice hockey gold in 46 years

The United States captured its third Olympic men's ice hockey gold medal, and first in 46 years, by edging Canada 2-1 in overtime in a thrilling final at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Sunday.

Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1:41 into the extra period after a Canadian turnover sparked a 3-on-1 break. Receiving a pass from teammate Dylan Larkin, Hughes split the defense and fired a low shot past goaltender Jordan Binnington to seal victory for the Americans.

"It doesn't matter about the goal," said Hughes. "Just an unbelievable team, unbelievable team win."

Prior to Sunday's victory, the United States had won at Squaw Valley 1960 and Lake Placid 1980.

The final lived up to its billing as a clash between two titans of international hockey. Matt Boldy opened the scoring for the U.S. in the first period, but Canada equalized early in the second through Cale Makar. Despite outshooting the Americans 42-28 and controlling much of the play, Canada could not beat U.S. netminder Connor Hellebuyck again.

Canada, the most decorated nation in Olympic men's ice hockey history with nine gold medals, came agonizingly close to adding a 10th.

"We gave it our all," said Canadian player Mitch Marner. "We had multiple looks that just didn't go our way. That's the game of hockey sometimes. It's unfortunate, but yeah, tough feeling."

Canada rallied from 2-0 down to defeat defending champion Finland 3-2 in the semifinals, while the U.S. overwhelmed Slovakia 6-2. Their meeting in the gold-medal game marked the third Olympic final between the two sides in the 21st century, following Canada's victories in 2002 and 2010.

On Saturday, Finland beat Slovakia 6-1 to claim bronze.■