Megan Keller scores OT winner as U.S. beats Canada for women's hockey gold

US women's hockey wins Olympic gold in overtime

The United States defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the women's hockey gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Thursday. Defender Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal in the extra period.

Keller skated around Canadian defender Claire Thompson and lifted a backhand shot past goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens. The victory extends the American team's winning streak against Canada to eight consecutive games.

Knight's historic goal forces overtime

The U.S. was less than three minutes from a silver medal before captain Hilary Knight scored a dramatic equalizer. She deflected a shot from Megan Keller past Desbiens with just 2:04 remaining in regulation.

The goal was the 15th of Knight's Olympic career, making her the all-time leading American goal-scorer in women's hockey at the Games. The assist marked Keller's second point of the night.

Goaltenders duel in low-scoring final

Both teams received stellar performances from their goaltenders. U.S. starter Aerin Frankel made 30 saves on 31 shots. Canada's Ann-Renée Desbiens was nearly as good, stopping 31 of 33 American shots.

Canada's lone goal came early in the second period while short-handed. Kristin O’Neill finished a pass from Laura Stacey to give Canada a 1-0 lead, which it held for over 38 minutes.

US dominance over Canada continues

The gold medal game was a stark contrast to the teams' meeting in the preliminary round, where the U.S. won 5-0. The eight-game winning streak matches the longest in the history of the rivalry.

The United States has now won three of the eight Olympic gold medals awarded in women's hockey since the sport debuted in 1998. Canada has won the other five.

• United States Gold Medals: 1998 (Nagano), 2018 (PyeongChang), 2026 (Milan Cortina)
• Canada Gold Medals: 2002 (Salt Lake City), 2006 (Turin), 2010 (Vancouver), 2014 (Sochi), 2022 (Beijing)

A fitting finale for veteran captain

Hilary Knight, playing in her fifth and final Olympics, secured her second career gold medal. Her late goal ensured her Olympic career ended with a chance at the top prize, which her team ultimately captured.

"You dream of these moments your whole life," Knight said after the game. "To do it with this group, in that fashion, is something I'll never forget."