Dylan Larkin salutes Michigan-native Hellebuyck after gold medal heroics

For the first time in 46 years, the United States won a gold medal in men's ice hockey, after defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime. There were plenty of Michigan connections on Team USA. Dylan Larkin, the captain of the Detroit Red Wings, scored two goals in the tournament. Quinn and Jack Hughes, who played in Michigan for the United States National Team Development Program, scored game-winning goals in the tournament, with the latter scoring the golden goal on Sunday.

There is another player with Michigan ties who played a gigantic role in securing the gold for the United States, and that's goalie Connor Hellebuyck. In the gold medal game, the Commerce, Mich. native stopped 41 of 42 shots faced from a relentless Canada team.

After the game, Larkin heaped praise on Hellebuyck for his efforts in the big game. Larkin declared that Hellebuyck "should never buy a drink in Michigan ever again," (h/t The Athletic's Mark Lazerus).

Dylan Larkin says Connor Hellebuyck 'should never buy a drink in Michigan ever again' after gold medal efforts

While Canada did have the advantage in terms of their forwards group, the United States had the significant edge over them in the goaltending department. That's because Hellebuyck has proven throughout his career, especially in recent years, that he is one of the top goaltenders in the NHL. Sure, he does get flak for his play in the playoffs, but he silenced the critics in important best-on-best international games.

Hellbuyck stopped 41 shots against the stacked Canada roster. But perhaps his best arrived on a shot attempt from defenseman Devon Toews, where he extended his stick and stopped the puck with the paddle. It is a save that will live on in highlight reels forever when fans look back at USA's gold medal run, their first in 46 years.

Hellebuyck's overall numbers in the tournament are insane. In five starts, he's a perfect 5-0, while holding a .956 save percentage and 1.18 goals allowed average. While Canada's Connor McDavid won the Olympics MVP Award after putting up 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in six games, there was a legitimate argument to be had that Hellebuyck should have received it.

Team USA has waited quite some time to not only win gold, but to do so by defeating Canada. The United States lost to Canada 5-2 in the 2002 gold medal game and in 2010, lost 3-2 on Sidney Crosby's "golden goal" in overtime. Oh, and last year, the United States lost to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game after an overtime goal from McDavid.

But now, Team USA finally got their huge moment, and a lot of credit can be given to Michigan's own, Hellebuyck.