Sidney Crosby in dreamland after proving he's Canada's golden boy

Sidney Crosby finally lived up to his pre-Olympic hype last night by striking the goal which clinched ice hockey gold as Canada beat the United States 3-2 in over-time.

Throughout the tournament, the 22-year-old had looked a shadow of the player who is top scorer in the National Hockey League.

But having missed a glorious oneon-one chance in normal time, Crosby struck the winner to give the hosts a record-breaking 14th gold of the Games and the one they craved above all others.

"I didn't see it go in the net," said Crosby. "I just heard everyone screaming. I didn't see the puck. I just shot it. I knew where I was and where the net was.

"You dream of a moment like this a thousand times growing up. For it to come true is pretty amazing. There's a ton of pride here."