Instagram/Jack Hughes TV Jack Hughes' OT goal ends 46-year US hockey gold drought in record-breaking 2026 Olympic final watched by 26 million viewers. March 12, 2026 AceShowbiz - Millions of American viewers woke up early to watch the thrilling conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics as Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal that secured the men's hockey gold medal for Team USA. The NBC broadcast of the game averaged an impressive 20.7 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched pre-9 AM ET sporting event in U.S. history.