Ranking Connor Hellebuyck's 5 best saves in USA gold medal win, from insane paddle stop to Connor McDavid breakaway

Jack Hughes was the overtime hero for the United States on Sunday, scoring the golden goal, but the Americans don't win gold without a brilliant performance by goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

The Jets star made 41 saves in the 2-1 win, allowing only a Cale Makar goal in the second period and holding strong when Canada controlled the puck for much of the second and third periods. That total set a record for most saves by a goaltender in a gold medal game involving NHL players. 

Hellebuyck made some terrific plays along the way, each of which was the difference between gold and silver.

Here's a look at Hellebuyck's best saves from the USA's gold medal win, from a 5-on-3 penalty kill to an iconic paddle save.

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Ranking Connor Hellebuyck's best saves in gold medal win

5. Save on Brad Marchand after McAvoy's heroics

Charlie McAvoy had one of the best "saves" of the game when he somehow kept a shot from Tom Wilson out of the net, but Hellebuyck picked up the slack seconds later when Brad Marchand tried to score on the rebound.

CHARLIE MCAVOY TO THE RESCUE. 😵 pic.twitter.com/SMoRMhRxEe

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026

Hellebuyck navigated through a sea of bodies to get in front of Marchand's shot and keep it out of the net, ending one of Canada's best chances on Sunday.

MORE: Full stats from USA-Canada gold medal game

4. USA's 5-on-3 penalty kill

The United States successfully killed a 5-on-3 in the second period, and it couldn't have been possible without some heroics by Hellebuyck. The reigning Hart Trophy winner didn't let anything through during the 93 seconds of 5-on-3 play, nor did he allow a goal when it was a simple power-play for Canada.

While Hellebuyck let up the goal to Makar later in the period, the 5-on-3 kill certainly seemed to build confidence for the Americans and ensured their penalty kill remained perfect in these Olympics.

MORE: Why Connor McDavid, not Connor Hellebuyck, won Olympic MVP

3. Connor McDavid breakaway save

For most of the world, a three-time NHL MVP with a breakaway opportunity against the reigning MVP is the best Olympic hockey has to offer. For Americans, it was a terrifying sequence.

Connor McDavid broke free for a clean shot on Hellebuyck in the second period, but the puck never made it into the net. Hellebuyck made the save, denying Canada its fist goal of the game and allowing USA fans to briefly exhale.

CONNOR HELLEBUYCK COMES UP HUGE TO DENY MCDAVID. ❌ pic.twitter.com/bV0sxh8GiG

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026

McDavid would go on to be named MVP of the tournament, but like his 2024 Conn Smythe Trophy, it's not a win he can fully enjoy without a championship.

MORE: USA-Canada men's hockey rivalry history

2. Macklin Celebrini breakaway save

The second-most terrifying sight for American fans after a McDavid breakaway might be a Macklin Celebrini breakaway opportunity, as the 19-year-old was excellent in his Olympic debut. In the third period, he had a great chance to put Canada in front.

Instead, Hellebuyck took Celebrini's shot right off the center of his body. Celebrini even had a chance to score on the rebound, but Hellebuyck recovered in time to deny that opportunity as well and keep the game tied.

HELLEBUYCK STANDS TALL AGAIN TO KEEP IT TIED. 💪 pic.twitter.com/hJXOSwqOhC

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026

McDavid and Celebrini were two of Canada's most productive stars leading up to the gold medal game, but they were both held without a point on Sunday and finished a combined -3 in the loss.

MORE: What's the stuffed animal given to USA, Canada during medal ceremony?

1. Paddle save on Devon Toews shot

Hellebuyck can frame the still image of this save, as can every die-hard USA hockey fan.

While it looked in real-time as though Devon Toews simply missed an open net for Canada, the replay showed how Hellebuyck put his stick between the puck and the net and actually deflected the shot.

THAT WAS ONE HELLE-BUYCK OF A STOP. 😳 pic.twitter.com/N3wCimdBGw

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026

The play was reminiscent of Braden Holtby's memorable save in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, and it kept the game tied as the puck wobbled past the net rather than into it for what would have been a go-ahead goal for Canada.