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Letters to the Editor: Loss in gold medal game aside, Canada was a better team than U.S.
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Photo credit: Photoshop by Tom Kostiuk
Zach Laing
Feb 22, 2026, 22:00 ESTUpdated: Feb 22, 2026, 22:35 EST
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It’s time to dig into this week’s Letters to the Editor. Want to join in the fun? Details about how to reach out are at the bottom of the article.

Canada better despite loss

Although Canada lost the gold medal game against the United States, it was quite evident that they were the better team. Several grade A chances were either stopped by Hellebuyck, hit the post, or just plain missed the net.
That’s hockey for you!
It seemed every Canadian hockey player out there today wanted to score the “golden” goal. If you need proof of that, watch the entire overtime and think about what transpired.
1. McDavid was trying to break through 2-3 opponents all by himself. Unsuccessful. Loss of possession.
2. Celebrini was taking shots from the high slot. Unsuccessful. Loss of possession.
3. Makar pinching at the wrong time. McDavid and MacKinnon not covering — waiting up ice for Makar to force the turnover. This resulted in the winning goal.
All three of these plays were triggered by these players wanting to end the overtime by themselves.
Canada played the best game of the Olympics, and yet they came up empty. It could have been different if we played a patient team game in overtime. Then all of Canada could have been heroes.
P.S. Hellebuyck won the game just like Binnington did at the 4 Nations. He should have been the MVP.
Buzz
(I don’t buy the golden goal narrative.)

What if it was Bouchard instead of Makar?

If that was Evan Bouchard instead of Makar doing that pinch in 3-on-3 what would the narrative be?
He would be “the worst defenceman of all time and he shouldn’t have been on the team” is probably what most of Twitter in Canada would say.
I’m by no means saying Cale Makar shouldn’t be on the team, but players with high offensive skill make mistakes sometimes when trying to make a game altering plays that’s the nature of the best.
Why does Bouchard get dumped on when Makar (and every defenceman) has brain farts too?
Bouchard should have been on the team and no one can change my mind about it even if Evan himself said he shouldn’t . Everyone down here in the Hammer can’t stand my
Bouchard rants but they also think Morgan Rielly is dece
Bryan
(You’re preaching to the choir my friend.)
Oilersnation wants to hear from you, the reader, in our new weekly “Letters to the Editor” segment. Letters can be emailed to Oilersnation’s managing editor Zach Laing (zach.laing@bettercollective.com), titled “Letters to the Editor.” Please include a letter up to 200 words, including your name, place of residence (city, town, province, or state). Your letters may be edited for length and/or clarity. Letters must be submitted by 6 PM MT Saturday night to be considered for feature on Sunday mornings.
Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s managing editor, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the Daily Faceoff DFS Hockey Report. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.

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