MILAN – Jack Hughes, despite suffering a fractured tooth and potential jaw injury during Sunday’s Olympic gold medal game, scored the overtime goal that secured a 2-1 victory for Team USA over Canada – their first Olympic title in men’s hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.
The dramatic win unfolded at the Santagiulia Arena in Milan, Italy, as Hughes found the back of the net just one minute and 41 seconds into the extra period. The goal ended a 46-year gold medal drought for the United States, according to NHL.com.
The pivotal moment preceding the game-winning goal involved a high-sticking penalty assessed to Canada’s Sam Bennett, striking Hughes in the mouth. Hughes sustained a fractured left front tooth, with another potentially dislodged, and may have experienced a rattle to his upper jaw, according to Dr. Jason Auerbach, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the New Jersey Devils.
“My first thought was, I looked on the ice and saw my teeth, and I was like, ‘Here we go again,’” Hughes said, as reported by NHL.com, referencing a previous dental injury. Despite the pain and visible damage, Hughes remained in the game and ultimately scored the decisive goal.
Dr. Auerbach outlined a potentially lengthy recovery process for Hughes, beginning with a temporary fix. Full restoration could take weeks, and may require surgery, TMZ reported.
The gold medal game was a tightly contested affair, with both U.S. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and Canada’s Jordan Binnington delivering outstanding performances, stopping 41 and an undisclosed number of shots respectively. The U.S. Team also survived a four-minute power play against them in the third period, and Canada had a late power play opportunity of their own.
Team USA’s victory marks the third Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey for the United States, following triumphs in 1960 and 1980. This win also followed a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Sweden, which also went to overtime.
Quinn Hughes, Jack’s older brother and a teammate on the U.S. Team, expressed confidence in Jack’s ability to perform under pressure. “I felt that way about Jack… Just a special guy,” he said, according to NHL.com.
