Connor McDavid admits ‘it sucks’ to lose to Team USA in Olympics final
· Yahoo Sports
Connor McDavid delivered a strong effort in his first Olympic Games, but it ended in heartbreak. The Canadian captain (after Sidney Crosby’s injury) led the tournament in scoring and earned MVP honors. He created chances in the gold medal game and pushed the pace against a deep American roster.
Still, Canada fell 2-1 in overtime to Team USA, after close wins in the quarterfinal and semifinals.
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McDavid finished the event with 13 points, the most among forwards. He drove Canada’s offense from the opening game through the knockout stage. In the final, he had a scoring opportunity but was stopped by Connor Hellebuyck. Canada controlled the game in the second and third periods, yet could not solve the U.S. goalie.
Speaking before the Edmonton Oilers’ game against the Anaheim Ducks, McDavid reflected on the loss.
“I thought we played well,” McDavid said. “I thought we did enough to win. Their goalie made some big saves. I thought we also missed some chances. So yeah, obviously disappointing. There’s no way around it. No way to sugarcoat it. It sucks.”
However, McDavid called the experience special despite the result.
“Overall, the experience was good,” McDavid said. “It was a great group of guys to be around. Honestly, it was a special group to be a part of, and we’ll have those memories for a lifetime.”
McDavid added that winning at the highest level is never easy.
“It’s disappointing. No way around it,” McDavid admitted. “We could be having a totally different conversation if things had gone differently. It’s hard to win at any level, especially at the very best level in the NHL and the Olympics. Margins are very small. We saw that Sunday.”
Connor McDavid on the pace of the Olympics final game against USA
McDavid also addressed the speed of the championship gold medal game. He said the pace matched what fans saw in the 4 Nations event in February 2025.
“Very, very fast. This is what hockey’s been missing,” McDavid said. “You see what it looks like at the very best.”
He described the game as two of the best teams in the world pushing each other. Canada had met Team USA in the 4 Nations final, where they had won in overtime with McDavid’s goal. So, McDavid mentioned that playing for your country brings out another level.
He called it “fun to be a part of” a contest played at that speed and intensity.
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Connor McDavid of Canada after the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
When asked if there is joy in competing at that level, McDavid did not hesitate.
“It’s fun,” McDavid said. “Those moments are what we live for. To play at that level, at that pace, at that magnitude. That’s what it’s all about.”
In the end, one bounce decided the outcome for McDavid and Team Canada in Italy. The loss must’ve hurt, but the standard of play showed what Olympic hockey can be.
McDavid will now focus on helping the Oilers qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. He has 98 points so far and is 2 points shy of his 9th 100-point season.
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