Stat line shows USA really only has one man to thank for Olympic gold medal win over Canada

In a high-stakes showdown against a relentless Canadian squad, Hellebuyck was the difference, turning aside 41 of 42 shots to anchor a 2-1 overtime victory.

The win marks the first American men's gold since the 1980 Miracle on Ice, a fitting tribute on the 46th anniversary of that historic feat.

Head coach Mike Sullivan watched his netminder weather a literal storm as Canada dictated the pace for long stretches of the afternoon.

The pressure from the Canadian side was suffocating. They generated a massive 5.8 expected goals, yet Hellebuyck consistently found ways to keep the puck out of the net.

He denied breakaways from the tournament's top stars, including Macklin Celebrini and Connor McDavid, showing why he remains the premier goaltender on the planet.

His athleticism was on full display in the third period when he reached back with a desperation stick save to rob Devon Toews of a certain goal. That single moment preserved the 1-1 tie and paved the way for the overtime heroics.

Canada outshot the Americans 42-28, controlling the transition game and pinning the U.S. in their own zone for minutes at a time. But Hellebuyck’s rebound control was efficient, and his positioning was flawless.

Even when the defensive structure faced heavy fire, he stayed calm.

He finished the tournament with a staggering .956 save percentage, easily earning the Best Goalie honors for the event.

The overtime period didn't last long, but the tension was electric.

Jack Hughes eventually ended the drought, sliding the golden goal past Jordan Binnington just 1:41 into the extra frame.

While the celebration focused on the Hughes winner, every player in the locker room knew the gold belonged to the man between the pipes. Hellebuyck faced a barrage of high-danger chances and didn't blink once.

It was a crisp performance that solidified Hellebuyck's legacy as an all-time great. After years of dominance in the Show, he finally has the international hardware to match his Vezina-caliber resume.

Canada's 5.8 expected goals not amounting to more than one actual goal is just a testament to how well Hellebuyck played in this one. He stole the game, singlehandedly.

This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. The Americans are back on top of the hockey world for the first time since 1980.