The hits keep on coming for Team Canada forward Nathan MacKinnon, whose Olympic journey ended with a heartbreaker. In the gold medal showdown against the U.S. at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, MacKinnon had a prime chance to tilt the scales in Canada's favor but missed an open net. This missed opportunity came in regulation, and despite Canada's dominant play, outshooting the Americans 42-28, it was the U.S. who emerged victorious in overtime, clinching the gold with a 2-1 win.
MacKinnon, the NHL’s top goal scorer this season, found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. His missed shot, coupled with a crucial save by U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck against MacKinnon's Avalanche teammate Devon Toews, became the focal point of Canada's struggle to capitalize on their offensive pressure.
The missed net is likely to haunt MacKinnon, as noted by SDPN Sports executive producer Drew Livingstone, who quipped on social media that the forward might see that empty net in his dreams for years to come. The moment quickly became a hot topic online, with fans expressing disbelief at how the puck failed to find its mark.
In the aftermath, MacKinnon's postgame comments added fuel to the fire. Reflecting on the game, he suggested that Team Canada outperformed their opponents, leaving it up to fans to decide who truly played better. His words sparked further debate, with fans dissecting the play and questioning how such a golden opportunity slipped away.
Despite the loss, MacKinnon's skill and determination remain undeniable, and while this moment may linger, it’s just a chapter in the storied career of one of hockey's brightest stars.