Team USA has captured gold in men's hockey for the first time since that legendary 1980 victory. The hero of the hour?
Connor Hellebuyck saves it at the goal line for USA 👀pic.twitter.com/BfJO4V2dDW
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 22, 2026
Jack Hughes, who netted the overtime winner to edge out Canada. But let's not forget, this golden moment was made possible by the stellar play of Connor Hellebuyck.
Hellebuyck was an absolute wall against Canada, turning away 41 of 42 shots in the thrilling overtime triumph. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, especially when he denied two breakaway attempts from none other than Macklin Celebrini and Connor McDavid.
Now, speaking of McDavid and Celebrini, this duo has been lighting up the tournament. McDavid wrapped up the event with a dazzling two goals and 11 assists, topping the leaderboard with 13 points and earning the tournament MVP title. Yet, in this crucial matchup, Hellebuyck had his number, keeping McDavid off the scoresheet and handing him a minus-two rating for the game.
Celebrini, on the other hand, led the tournament in goals with five and added five assists, securing the second spot in scoring with ten points. Despite firing six shots in the game against the U.S., he couldn't find a way past Hellebuyck's ironclad defense.
Connor Hellebuyck with a game-saving stop for USA 🤯pic.twitter.com/psX6TotUxu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 22, 2026
In a game full of pivotal moments, Hellebuyck also thwarted a game-saving attempt from Devon Toews, showcasing his clutch gene.
By the tournament's end, Hellebuyck's stats were nothing short of elite: stopping 131 of 137 shots, he boasted a .956 save percentage and a 1.18 goals-against average, both leading the tournament.
Adding to his already impressive resume, Hellebuyck even recorded an assist on Hughes's game-winning goal. A five-time All-Star, three-time Vezina Trophy winner, and recipient of the Hart Memorial Trophy, Hellebuyck can now add Olympic gold medalist to his list of accolades. His performance will be remembered as one of the defining moments of this historic victory.