Ice hockey-US beat Canada in overtime thriller to end 'golden drought'

MILAN, Feb 22 : The United States ended a nearly half-century wait for Olympic men's ice hockey gold with a 2-1 overtime victory against Canada in a thrilling final on Sunday, with Jack Hughes delivering their third title and first since 1980 with the winning shot.

Hughes left it all - including at least one of his teeth - out on the ice in a nerve-jangling triumph exactly 46 years to the day since the iconic U.S. "Miracle on Ice" victory over the Soviet Union en route to gold in Lake Placid.

It came down to three-on-three play where Hughes collected a pass from Zach Werenski and fired into the net one minute and 41 seconds into the extra period, flashing a bloody, chipped grin after receiving a high stick to the face in the third period.

The goal resulted in gloves, helmets and sticks flying over the ice as his teammates ran to smother the American hero.

"The best experiences I have are playing for my country, playing to break the golden drought with this group of guys and for us to win gold here at the Olympics," said Hughes.

He arrived at a post-game media conference speaking with a newly acquired lisp as the smell of celebratory beer wafted in the air. "Just an unbelievable moment," he added.

Matt Boldy had put the U.S. ahead after six minutes with the Americans' first shot of the game before Canada levelled through Cale Makar to set up a nail-biting final period.

U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 40 saves over the 60 minutes, a fitting end to a terrific tournament for the keeper who never let up a power play goal in Milan.

Canada were missing captain Sidney Crosby, 38, who scored the overtime goal against the U.S. to secure gold on home ice at Vancouver 2010. Crosby left the quarter-final injured in a sad finish with fans