Canada win thrilling final gold of Winter Olympics

Canada snatch hockey gold in overtime

Sidney Crosby's extra-time goal secured Canada the final gold medal of the Games, sealing a dramatic 3-2 win over the United States in men's ice hockey.

The gold medal was Canada's 14th of the Games, a record, and fittingly the milestone medal was the one many Canadians coveted above all others.

For Canada, who last won this event in 2002, the win avenged the 5-3 defeat by the US in their round robin match.

The win was an ice hockey double after the women's team beat the US 2-0.

The men's final could have been more straightforward but a series of missed opportunities allowed the US to set up the tense extra period.

The host nation went ahead when Jonathan Toews squeezed in his close-range effort from a tight angle before Corey Perry doubled the lead.

It doesn't feel real; it feels like a dream, it just feels like dream Sidney Crosby

The US hit back through Ryan Kesler and with 24 seconds remaining Zach Parise's slotted finish forced extra time.

Crosby, Canada's most high-profile player, had earlier spurned a glorious opportunity to put Canada clear when clean through.

But finally the moment came to prove why he is the top scorer in North America's National Hockey League and a Canadian superstar.

With a near 18,000 capacity crowd at the Canada Hockey Place watching on nervously the 22-year-old seized his opportunity.

Crosby swiped a wrist shot past US net minder Ryan Miller to hand Canada the fairytale ending to the Games.

"It doesn't feel real; it feels like a dream, it just feels like dream," said Crosby.

"Our team worked so unbelievably hard. This was really tough, especially when they got the goal late in regulation. But we came out in overtime and this is just an unbelievable feeling."

Canadian coach Mike Babcock added: "To do it at home with these guys is special.

"Our guys did a great job and to win in overtime in Canada, it is a dream come true."

Forward Patrick Marleau said: "It is unbelievable. I have never felt something like this before. As far as hockey goes it is the best moment I have ever had."

The defeat was the US team's first of their Olympic campaign and defenceman Jack Johnson said: "We were one goal shy of a gold medal.

"It is the biggest game any of us have ever played in. Nothing we did before compares to this. You lose the silver you don't win it."