In a nail-biting display of resilience and skill, the United States women's hockey team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Canada 2-1 in overtime and capture the Olympic gold medal in Milan. What this really means is that the Americans have reasserted their dominance on the international stage, overcoming a late deficit to deny their longtime rivals and cement their status as the preeminent power in the sport.
Hilary Knight's Heroics Lift USA
With Canada leading 1-0 late in the third period, it seemed the Canadians were poised to defend their Olympic crown. But veteran forward Hilary Knight had other plans, scoring the game-tying goal with just over two minutes remaining to send the contest to overtime.
"When Meg (Keller) pulled her move, I knew we had it immediately," said Knight, who now holds the U.S. Olympic hockey records for most overall medals and gold medals. "The greatest rivalry in all sport, and we just didn't quit."
Megan Keller Delivers the Winner
In the extra session, it was Megan Keller who delivered the golden goal, weaving through the Canadian defense and firing the puck past goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens to complete the comeback. The win marked the Americans' third Olympic gold in women's hockey and their first since the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.
"I couldn't be happier," said Keller. "This team has worked so hard, and to come from behind like that against our biggest rival is just an unbelievable feeling."
A Rivalry Renewed
The epic clash between the United States and Canada has long been the centerpiece of women's Olympic hockey, and this latest installment only added to the lore of the historic rivalry. As Renata Fast of Team Canada noted, "Every game is tight... the battle, every single play is so important because the game is that close against this matchup."
The bigger picture here is that the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage has breathed new life into international hockey, delivering the kind of high-stakes, high-drama showdowns that fans crave. With the best of the best competing on the world's biggest stage, the stage is set for women's hockey to reach new heights of popularity and recognition.