Nathan MacKinnon didn’t mince words after Canada’s heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to the United States in the gold-medal game.
“You be the judge of who was the better team today,” MacKinnon said, according to Canadian Press’ Joshua Clipperton.
The numbers backed up Canada’s frustration. They outshot the Americans 42-28 and controlled play for most of the final two periods.
Canada dominated the second period with a 19-8 shot advantage. They kept the pressure on in the third, outshooting the U.S. 14-10.
“Just finishing. That’s it,” MacKinnon said when asked what more Canada could’ve done. “The looks we had, we would’ve taken any day. I missed an open net myself, and I really wish I could have that one back.”
The Colorado Avalanche star wasn’t done reflecting on the missed opportunities.
“What a great group of guys. We definitely really tilted that game, but we just – I don’t know, we had to score, and we didn’t score.”
Canada’s power play, which led the tournament, couldn’t convert when it mattered most in the gold-medal game.
“The 5-on-3 hurt, then the last power play, we had so many good looks in the slot, rebounds,” MacKinnon said. “I don’t know. I just felt like it wasn’t meant to be tonight for us.”
McDavid Steps Up as Captain
Connor McDavid wore the captain’s armband for the final two games with Sidney Crosby sidelined by injury. The Edmonton Oilers superstar echoed his teammate’s sentiment about Canada’s performance.
“I thought we played a great game,” McDavid said. “I thought their goalie played really, really well.”
Connor Hellebuyck was the difference-maker for Team USA. The Winnipeg Jets netminder stopped 41 of 42 shots, including a paddle save in the third period that had everyone talking.
Crosby Watches From Sideline
Crosby sustained his injury during the quarterfinal and couldn’t return for the gold-medal game. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain scored the iconic overtime winner against the United States in 2010.
“It’s a lot easier playing than watching,” Crosby said, according to CBC Olympics. “I think everyone should be proud the way the team performed. Obviously, we did everything but score. In every facet, we were just, we were so good today. I thought we deserved better and unfortunately, didn’t come away with the win.”
Crosby said he was “pretty close” to playing but ultimately couldn’t go.
This marks Canada’s first silver medal in men’s hockey since 1994. Canada had won gold in both 2010 and 2014, the previous two Olympics that featured NHL players.
