It was another Miracle on Ice… 46 years later! The USA topped Canada, 2-1, in overtime to secure its first gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980. Entering the game, the USA was a +100 underdog on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook, and the game’s total was set at O/U 5.5 goals, with the public heavily favoring the under. The public got it right, as both puck luck and strong goaltending kept the game low-scoring.
USA vs. Canada men’s hockey results, odds
The Americans found the back of the net first, thanks to a first-period breakaway goal from Matt Boldy, who was +2200 to be the first goalscorer. Boldy was also named the Ice Breaker for today’s matchup, and his bettors will be credited with bonus bets within the next 24 hours.
The Canadians dominated the second period both offensively and defensively, with Cale Makar (pre-game odds of +475 to score a goal) netting the game-tying goal and Team USA logging just seven shots on goal the entire period. Still, the USA managed to prevent Canada’s lethal power play line from taking advantage of a 5-on-3 situation, keeping the score tied at one apiece entering the third period.
The third period was much of the same, with Canada consistently getting pucks on net, only for Connor Hellebuyck to say no and make huge saves for the USA. This game could have very well ended with a 4-1 or 5-1 Canada win, if not for Hellebuyck’s absurd goaltending. Team USA had plenty of strong chances, too. Jack Hughes was hit in the face by a hit-stick from Sam Bennett, which resulted in a double-minor, and then Hughes picked up his own high-stick penalty to give Canada a power play opportunity late.
Entering overtime, Team USA was a -105 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook.
The overtime period didn’t last too long, considering it featured 3-on-3 sudden-death hockey, with both benches absolutely loaded with pure skill, speed, and playmaking. Jack Hughes netted the golden goal for the USA, with his brother, Quinn, nearly winning it a few sequences before. The players carried Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau’s jersey across the ice. All year long, we heard that they were winning it all for Johnny, and they did just that. USA! USA! USA!