American Zach Parise ties the game in final minute of third period in Olympic men's hockey final

Canada came within 24.4 seconds of winning the Olympic gold medal in men's hockey in regulation time at Canada Hockey Place.

But Zach Parise spoiled the party by beating Roberto Luongo, creating a 2-2 deadlock going into overtime.

Canada looked like it was on the way to victory in a tough match characterized by terrific goaltending by Luongo and Ryan Miller.

Jonathan Toews opened the scoring in the first period for the home team. Corey Perry made it 2-0 in the second period.

Then American Ryan Kesler tipped in a Patrick Kane shot to bring the U.S. squad closer before the second period was over.

Both teams were unable to score through the first 19 minutes of the third period, though Canada rung a couple of shots off the goalpost behind Miller.

Canada's Sidney Crosby failed to score on a breakaway with less than four minutes remaining.

Now, the game is going into overtime, making this one of the most memorable Olympic men's hockey  finals in history.

Follow Charlie Smith on Twitter at twitter.com/csmithstraight