After the Americans scored first in the 2002 men's hockey gold medal game, Paul Kariya scored the first of Canada's five goals as they won a historic gold medal.
Here's today's NHL Nugget – this edition of "Off The Podium" during the 2026 Olympics looks back to the 2002 gold medal game between Canada and the USA.
Although the Americans scored first in Salt Lake City, it was Paul Kariya who kick-started Canada's onslaught. He scored his third goal of the Olympics, and Canada went on to beat Team USA 5-2 in capture their first gold medal in men's hockey in 50 years.
Joe Sakic and Jarome Iginla took over after Kariya's goal, scoring twice each in the historic victory for the Canadians. As for Kariya, he ended up being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017 after a lengthy international and NHL career.
Brian T. Dessart takes fans on a distinctive ride through the historic-laden NHL with the #NHLNugget. Check out NHLNugget.com to find where to follow NHL Nugget on social media. And for past NHL Nuggets, click here.