John Cooper has expressed his views on the Olympic overtime format being a factor in Canada’s narrow loss to the United States.
Unlike the Four Nations and Stanley Cup Playoffs, which feature a 5-on-5 overtime format, the Olympics utilize 3-on-3 play. This change aims to shorten the duration of overtime and create a different kind of game, and it’s something also seen in NHL regular-season play.
“Once you take four guys off the ice, hockey isn’t hockey anymore,” Cooper mentioned. He pointed out that the overtime and shootout setup seems more driven by television interests and doesn’t reflect the traditional game, as seen in the Stanley Cup Final or playoffs.
In a previous 4-nation competition, Canada won against the U.S. due to a defensive mistake, with Connor McDavid scoring the decisive goal.
However, during the final in Milan, things turned in favor of the Americans. Jack Hughes netted the game-winner just 1 minute and 41 seconds into the 3-on-3 overtime, securing a 2-1 gold medal victory for the United States, even though Canada had a significant edge in play for much of the latter half.
Canada had numerous opportunities to clinch the win in regulation, with Cole Makar scoring their only goal in the second period. U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck, the current NHL MVP, made an impressive 41 saves throughout the game.
The victory marked the United States’ first gold medal in hockey since the famous 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
Hellebuyck and the Hughes brothers played crucial roles in achieving this success. Jack scored four goals and provided three assists in the tournament, while Quinn led all players with eight points, the most among defensemen. Hellebuyck recorded a stellar 95.6 percent save rate as the U.S. triumphed 6-0 earlier in the competition.
2026 Winter Olympics
For Canada, McDavid and Macklin Celebrini stood out, finishing the tournament with 13 and 10 points, respectively, with McDavid also earning the title of Olympic MVP.
Yet none of that could change the outcome—gold went to the U.S.
The Americans secured two gold medals in hockey, with the first coming from an exciting women’s overtime match. In total, the United States secured 12 golds, finishing second to Norway’s 18 in the overall medal count.
