Matthew Tkachuk breaks Canadian teammates hearts in controversial Olympic OT thriller

The Americans secured the ultimate international victory as Jack Hughes buried the game-winner, sparking absolute pandemonium in Milan.

However, the highly controversial ending left the Canadian bench absolutely devastated.

For Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett and veteran Brad Marchand, the heartbreak was immediately visible on the ice. Both were forced to watch their NHL locker room teammate celebrate the ultimate prize, while the entire Canadian squad was left in stunning disbelief.

The transition game for both powerhouse nations was completely suffocated during the grueling third period. Neither side was willing to make the fatal mistake, relying strictly on solid execution in their defensive zone coverage to survive the escalating tension.

Crisp passing was almost impossible to find on the chopped-up ice late in the contest. Canada's elite snipers were held scoreless in the sudden-death frame, failing to capitalize on their limited rush chances against a red-hot Connor Hellebuyck.

Tkachuk brought that exact agitating, clutch magic to the global stage today, securing absolute hockey immortality for the United States.

While teammates Marchand and Bennett battled relentlessly along the boards all game, but Tkachuk and Team USA ultimately found the soft spot in the slot when it mattered most.