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Canada entered the 2026 Winter Olympics with gold medal expectations, as the return of NHL players meant a chance to return to the podium in men's ice hockey.
However, the Canadians came up short on Sunday, with the United States taking home the gold in a 2-1 instant classic. The game featured 42 of the NHL's best players, and the quality of play delivered on a game that will be remembered for a long time.
Among those players was Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche, who was one of Canada's best players throughout the Olympics. In MacKinnon's eyes, this game was more about Canada than the United States.
Here's what MacKinnon said after the game.
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Nathan MacKinnon's comments on USA-Canada game
Canada played a strong game in the gold medal contest against the United States, outshooting the U.S. 42-28. However, Connor Hellebuyck was outstanding, making 41 saves in the process and holding Canada to just one goal in the game.
Afterwards, Nathan MacKinnon was clearly disappointed by the outcome, as the Avalanche star implied that Canada was better than the United States.
"You be the judge of who was the better team today," MacKinnon said.
A gutted Nathan MacKinnon: "You be the judge of who was the better team today."
— Joshua Clipperton (@JClipperton_CP) February 22, 2026MacKinnon, just like his teammates, expected nothing less than gold and was disappointed by a silver medal finish. When he was presented with his silver medal and customary stuffed animal, representing the official mascot of the Olympics, MacKinnon wanted nothing to do with the toy.
Nathan MacKinnon not impressed with the silver and the plushie. pic.twitter.com/keKeni5PXS
— Rob Gillies (@rgilliescanada) February 22, 2026MORE: How Canada's offense missed chance to win gold
Nathan MacKinnon missing open net
With just over 10 minutes left in the game, MacKinnon had a clear-cut open net opportunity to give Canada the lead, but sent the puck just wide. MacKinnon will likely be looking back at that chance as the biggest miss of the game.
Nathan Mackinnon missing this shot is going to haunt him for the rest of his life. pic.twitter.com/hZCDg6Xc5F
— usurp tha chef (@usurpthachef) February 22, 2026Nathan MacKinnon will be thinking about this one for a LONG time 🇨🇦😔#MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/XEmCcXBvbs
— BarDown (@BarDown) February 22, 2026That chance was actually from almost the exact same spot as MacKinnon's game-winner in the semifinals against Finland.
NATHAN MACKINNON IN THE FINAL MINUTE. CANADA HAVE PULLED OFF THE COMEBACK. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/3jMB2EWWfU
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 20, 2026
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