The USA vs Canada men’s ice hockey gold medal match at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 began with instant drama. American winger Matt Boldy scored a stunning goal within the opening minutes, giving the United States an early advantage and shifting the momentum in this high-pressure final.
The goal came just 2 minutes and 18 seconds into the first period, and it was USA’s very first shot of the game. Boldy showed great speed and control as he entered the Canadian zone from the left side, slipped between two elite defenders, and fired a powerful shot past the goalkeeper.
This early strike put Canada under immediate pressure in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Goal Breakdown: How Boldy Beat Canada’s Top Defense
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time of Goal | 2:18 (1st Period) |
| Shot Type | Left-wing slapshot |
| Assists | Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel |
| Score After Goal | USA 1-0 Canada |
| Key Moment | Beat defenders Cale Makar & Drew Doughty |
Boldy cut inside from the left wing and split Canada’s star defensive pair Cale Makar and Drew Doughty. Goaltender Jordan Binnington had little chance as the shot flew past him.
THE USA STRIKES FIRST. MATT BOLDY PUTS THE AMERICANS ON THE BOARD. ‼️ pic.twitter.com/oO5Am72qa7
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026
The forward celebrated with high energy as his teammates gathered around, knowing the importance of an early lead in a gold medal game.
Match Situation: USA Builds Early Momentum
By the end of the first period, the United States had strengthened its position.
| Match Update | Status |
|---|---|
| End of 1st Period Score | USA 2-1 Canada |
| Second USA Goal | Auston Matthews |
| Boldy Tournament Stats | 5 Goals, 4 Assists (7 Games) |
Canada already entered the match under pressure after losing captain Sidney Crosby due to injury. Boldy’s early goal added to the challenge and forced Canada to chase the game from the start.
Viral Moment Across Social Media
The goal quickly went viral, with fans praising the skill and timing. Many called it one of the best opening goals of the tournament, while hashtags related to the moment began trending online.
The play is being widely shared as a key highlight from the gold medal clash.
Also see: Sidney Crosby Injury: Canada Captain Out of USA vs Canada Olympic Final 2026
Where to Watch Highlights and Match Coverage
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Live Streaming | Olympics website & official app |
| India Streaming | Jio platforms (selected coverage) |
| Highlights | Official Olympic and sports channels |
| TV (India) | Sports networks with highlight coverage |
What This Means for the Final
An early goal in a championship game can change the entire flow, and Boldy’s strike gave USA the perfect start. With momentum on their side and confidence growing, the Americans moved closer to ending their long Olympic gold wait.
