In a dramatic turn of events at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, both Canadian hockey teams experienced heartbreak as they fell to the United States in identical 2-1 overtime losses. The men's team faced defeat when Jack Hughes found the net just 1:41 into 3-on-3 overtime, while the women's team suffered a similar fate three days earlier, with Megan Keller scoring 4:07 into the extra period.
The IIHF's decision to use a 3-on-3 overtime format for these gold medal games has sparked significant debate. This shift from the traditional 5-on-5 playoff style has not sat well with many in the hockey community.
Former Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane voiced his disapproval on social media, criticizing the use of 3-on-3 to decide such crucial matches. His views were echoed by veteran hockey insider Pierre LeBrun, who described the format as a "brutal" way to conclude a championship game.
The controversy is fueled by the unprecedented losses for Canadian hockey, with both teams falling in similar fashion. The women's team was the first to face defeat when Megan Keller's overtime goal secured the gold for the USA on February 19. Just days later, on February 22, Jack Hughes capitalized on a centering pass from Zach Werenski to beat Jordan Binnington and complete the American sweep.
Under the new rules, gold medal games feature continuous 20-minute 3-on-3 overtime periods until a goal is scored, eliminating the shootout. This is a departure from the traditional Olympic format, which used 5-on-5 overtime.
Even Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper expressed his frustration, pointing out that removing players from the ice changes the nature of the game. He noted that the NHL uses 3-on-3 for regular season excitement, but reverts to 5-on-5 for playoff intensity.
For Team Canada, the men's final was a particularly bitter pill to swallow. Despite dominating the game and outshooting the Americans 42-28, they couldn't find a way past Connor Hellebuyck, who was stellar with 41 saves.
Matt Boldy put the USA ahead in the first period, but Cale Makar leveled the score for Canada. The game remained tied through regulation, despite Canada's territorial dominance.
Overtime, however, was a different story. A turnover led to a 3-on-1 rush for the Americans, with Werenski setting up Hughes for the game-winner. It was a classic 3-on-3 scenario, where odd-man rushes and broken plays can quickly decide the outcome, regardless of the preceding 60 minutes.
The women's final mirrored this narrative. With just over two minutes left in regulation, USA captain Hilary Knight redirected a Laila Edwards shot to force overtime after Canada had held the lead. This marked the third consecutive gold medal clash between these two teams to go into overtime, with the Americans' speed and transition game thriving in the 3-on-3 format.
In both games, the 3-on-3 overtime showcased its thrilling, yet polarizing nature. While it provided dramatic finishes, it left many questioning whether it truly reflected the teams' performances over the full course of the game.