The NHL’s long‑awaited return to the Olympic stage delivered exactly what the sport needed: drama, star power, and a gold‑medal showdown that reminded the world why best‑on‑best hockey matters. After a 12‑year absence, the league’s presence in Milan instantly elevated the tournament and reignited global interest in elite international play.
Read Sports Talk Florida
A Tournament Filled With Overtime Drama
Four of the seven knockout games went to overtime, underscoring how evenly matched the field was and how much the sport benefits when the world’s top players share the same ice. The United States’ win over Canada in the final was fast, physical, and relentless — the kind of game that becomes part of hockey’s international lore.
USA’s First Best‑on‑Best Gold Since 1980
For the United States, the gold medal marked its first in a true best‑on‑best Olympic setting since the Miracle on Ice. Connor Hellebuyck delivered one of the most dominant goaltending performances in modern international play, anchoring the Americans throughout the tournament. Jack Hughes sealed the championship with an overtime winner, scoring despite losing teeth earlier in the game — a moment that captured the grit and chaos of Olympic hockey.
Debate Over the 3‑on‑3 Overtime Format
Not everyone was thrilled with the format. Canada coach Jon Cooper criticized the use of 3‑on‑3 overtime in a gold‑medal game, arguing that such a stage deserves traditional 5‑on‑5 sudden death. But for the Americans celebrating on the ice, the format mattered far less than the result.
NHL, NHLPA, and IIHF Finally Aligned
What stood out just as much as the on‑ice drama was the cooperation behind the scenes. For the first time in years, the NHL, NHLPA, and IIHF appear aligned on a long‑term international vision. Gary Bettman emphasized that collaboration is essential for growing the game globally, and Milan served as proof that the sport thrives when its best players are allowed to compete on the world stage.
A Clear Path Toward the 2028 World Cup of Hockey
With commitments already in place for the 2030 Olympics and momentum building from Milan, the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is no longer a question of “if” but “when.” The appetite for elite international hockey is stronger than ever, and the sport finally has structure and direction after years of uncertainty.
Source link
