Nathan MacKinnon says Canada was ‘better team’ despite overtime gold loss to USA

As expected, Team Canada was not happy as they took silver on the ice in Milan after Jack Hughes’ overtime game winner gave Team USA the gold.

Canadian star Nathan MacKinnon made an interesting comment after the match that created controversy on social media.

“You decide who is the better team today,” said the Team Canada vice-captain and Colorado Avalanche star. Canadian Press.

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MacKinnon seemingly implied that Canada was the better team despite the result. Of course, they outscored the USA 42-28 and definitely controlled the puck more throughout the three periods in Milan.

It even took some heroics from team USA goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck to keep the game tied at one goal, including a miraculous stick save from Devon Toew on a point-blank position in the second period.

USA MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM WINS A GOLD MEDAL IN OT AGAINST CANADA AT THE WINTER OLYMPICS

But Canada had a few miscues as well, and with 10:50 left in the third period, MacKinnon made a big mistake. Hellebuyck was completely defeated when the puck was sent to MacKinnon, who had a wide net to work with. All he had to do was put the work in between the pipes and Canada would take a 2-1 lead.

Instead, his shot hit the short side of the net, and Team USA caught a break after one of the world’s best strikers was denied for his own mistake. MacKinnon’s “What if?” This is one of those moments where he might think. Considering how the game ends.

Nathan MacKinnon, Connor Hellebuyck, Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Figure Ice Hockey final match played between Canada and the United States at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan on February 22, 2026. (Photo by Olimpik/NurPhoto)

With both sides tied after three periods, Olympic overtime rules are the same as those of the NHL regular season: 3-on-3 sudden-death hockey. Considering what happened in the second and third periods for Team USA, this format benefited them; Canada was handling them at both ends of the ice.

However, MacKinnon made another big mistake in overtime; Because it looked like he wasn’t expecting defenseman Zach Weresnki to fly to him in the offensive zone after Hughes pushed the puck into the Canadian zone.

MacKinnon could have attacked the puck more, but Werenski instead took the ball and passed it to Hughes, who buried it past Jordan Binnington for the golden goal.

Silver medalist Nathan MacKinnon of Team Canada looks upset during the medal ceremony following the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy on February 22, 2026. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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So while statistics and other metrics may say Team Canada is the better team on the ice, that only matters in the big moments. And of course the scoreboard at the final whistle.

As Team USA celebrates its first Olympic gold medal since the ice miracle in Lake Placid in 1980, Team Canada can only finally return to their home city pondering what went wrong.

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