Former UFC announcer Mike Goldberg sounded off on Canada coach Jon Cooper for questioning the 3-on-3 format at the Olympics. Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime in the gold medal game. The outcome, as well as Cooper’s remarks, sparked an online debate over 3-on-3 overtime determining a winner.
Both Canada and Team USA benefited from 3-on-3 overtime during the men’s Olympic hockey tournament. Canada defeated Czechia, and the U.S. defeated Sweden in the quarterfinals. Still, Cooper argued that 3-on-3 overtime should not determine the winner of such a high-stakes game.
Canada controlled most of the game but could not get past goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Jack Hughes scored the overtime-winning goal, giving Team USA its first gold medal in Olympic men’s hockey since 1980.
Ex-UFC Announcer Mike Goldberg Reacts to Jon Cooper’s Remarks After Olympic Loss
Mike Goldberg, who also spent a portion of his broadcasting career calling NHL games, weighed in on Jon Cooper’s postgame remarks.
Cooper argued that 3-on-3 should not determine the winner of an Olympic gold medal game. He claimed that removing players changes the game and primarily serves broadcasters’ schedules.
“You take four players off the ice, now hockey’s not hockey anymore. There’s a reason overtime and shootouts are in play – it’s all TV-driven to end games,” Cooper said post-game via TSN. “It’s not a long time. There’s a reason why it’s not in the Stanley Cup final or playoffs.”
Goldberg took to the comment section of TSN’s Instagram post and strongly disagreed with Cooper. He said the Canadian coach likely would have a different view on 3-on-3 overtime had Canada defeated Team USA instead.
“Would [Cooper] be saying anything if Canada won? True character is revealed in adversity. But 4-on-4 is cool I guess,” Goldberg wrote. “Canada had [Nathan] MacKinnon, [Connor] McDavid], and [Cale] Makar on the ice. Cry me a river.”
Goldberg Shares Honest Thoughts on Canada vs. Team USA Olympic Gold Medal Game
Goldberg also shared his thoughts on what unfolded during the Olympic gold medal game between Canada and Team USA. The game was a rematch of last year’s NHL 4 Nations Face-off final, which saw Canada defeat the Americans in overtime.
Like last year’s game, millions watched the Olympic gold medal game, adding another chapter to the storied hockey rivalry. After initially posting about the importance of the plus-minus statistic in hockey, Goldberg said Canada performed better than Team USA.
Goldberg said goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was the difference maker for the Americans. The former UFC announcer also noted that the Canada vs. USA hockey rivalry is what makes the sport great.
“Team Canada was the dominant team, goaltending is the one variable in hockey that can even the playing ‘ice,’ Goldberg wrote on Instagram. “Without Canada vs. USA, the game of hockey worldwide isn’t what it is today!”
He added:
“Bobby Clarke was my first hero, Joe Thornton is my favorite player all time and Macklin Celebrini is going to bring my [San Jose] Sharks a Stanley Cup, I hope! Respect [Canadian flag emoji].”
Mike Goldberg Sounds Off After Canada’s Jon Cooper Questions Olympics’ OT Format