Nathan MacKinnon implies Canada was 'better team' despite losing Olympic gold medal to Team USA

Fox News contributor and sportscaster Jim Gray discusses Team USA men's hockey team's overtime victory against Canada securing their first Olympic gold since 1980. Fox News correspondent Madison Scarpino reports.

As expected, Team Canada was not happy standing on the ice receiving their silver medals in Milan after Jack Hughes’ overtime game-winner to give Team USA gold. 

Canadian star Nathan MacKinnon made an interesting comment after the game that sparked debate on social media. 

"You be the judge of who was the better team today," the Team Canada assistant captain and Colorado Avalanche star said, via the Canadian Press.

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Nathan MacKinnon #29 of Team Canada look dejected 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 Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

MacKinnon seemingly implied that Canada was the better team despite the result. Sure, they outshot the U.S., 42-28, and they were certainly in control of the puck more throughout the three periods in Milan. 

It even took some heroics from Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to keep the game tied at one goal apiece, including a miraculous stick save on Devon Toews point-blank chance in the second period. 

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But there were also a few miscues from Canada, and MacKinnon had a major one with 10:50 left in the third period. Hellebuyck was completely beat when the puck was swung over to MacKinnon, who had a wide-open net to work with. All he had to do was put it between the pipes and Canada