This picture of Connor Hellebuick’s epic save against Devon Toews is an instant classic
On Sunday morning, The United States won his first gold medal in hockey in 46 years with a thrilling victory over the Canadian national team to finish their run at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. This was not an easy victory by any stretch of the imagination, but Team USA eventually winning thanks to a Jack Hughes goal in extra time.
At one point in the game, United States goalkeeper Connor Hellebuick was playing forever with an epic rescue against Devon Toews of Team Canada.
(according to Pardon Me Take on Instagram).
The image of Hellebuyck extending his hockey stick back over the rest of his body to prevent a puck from finding the back of the net will go down in American hockey history and instantly went viral on social media.
Hellebuyck was later understandably named the best goalkeeper at the Olympic tournament as well as an All-Star for his efforts during the winter games in Milan.
With the victory, the United States won its first gold medal since the 1980s “Miracle on Ice” against the Soviet Union, ending an ugly streak and further solidifying the country’s prominence as a hockey power on the national stage, with more and more of the stars of the modern NFL coming from the country.
Meanwhile, it certainly helped that Team Canada was without legendary star Sidney Crosby, as the Pittsburgh Penguins legend was forced to miss this match after suffering a lower-body injury in the earlier round of the tournament.
Still, that won’t diminish the collective sigh of relief the United States breathed when Hughes’ shot hit the back of the net in overtime.
The team will be honored with a closing ceremony later in the day on Sunday.
2026-02-22 18:22:00
