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Team USA women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight’s massive third-period goal that sent the gold medal game against Canada into overtime had historic consequences Thursday night in Milan.
Knight became the leading women’s hockey scorer in Olympic history when she tipped Julia Edwards’ shot at the blue line with just 2:04 left on the clock and an empty net for the United States to tie the gold medal game at one goal apiece.
Finally, Team USA was able to close out the shutout against Canada and it ultimately worked in their favor.
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Hilary Knight #21 of Team United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the third period during the women’s gold medal game between the United States and Canada on Day 13 of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
In overtime, Megan Keller dangled around a Team Canada defender and threw a backhand at the net that went through Ann-Renée Desbiens’ right arm and trickled into the net for the gold medal win.
Knight’s goal broke the American women’s record for career goals while representing the Stars and Stripes, previously held by Natalie Darwitz and Katie King. She now has 15 for her career.
USA WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM BRINGS HOME OLYMPIC GOLD IN OT-THILLER OVER CANADA
Knight also tied the record for most career Olympic points in Team USA women’s hockey history, marking her 33rd career point. Knight breaks the record previously held by Jenny Potter, who had 11 goals and 21 assists in her career.
This only adds to the illustrious career Knight has had for Team USA, as this win in Milan marked her second Olympic gold medal and fifth overall. And yes, that’s another Olympic record.
Hilary Knight of the United States celebrates her goal during the women’s gold medal match between the United States and Canada on day thirteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images) (RvS.Media/Monika Majer)
Knight, 36, also marked the third Olympic hockey player, either male or female, to have five medals in a career.
There’s a reason Knight wears the “C” on her chest, as she’s collected 12 gold medals during her career between the Olympics and World Championships. She has amassed 81 goals and 70 assists throughout her long career.
Back home, Knight’s resume in the PWHL includes tying the league lead in points during the 2024-25 campaign with 29 while playing for the Boston Fleet. And in Seattle Torrent’s first-ever season this year, she is tied for sixth in the league with seven assists so far.
Hilary Knight of Team United States looks on during the second period during the women’s playoff semifinal match between the United States and Sweden on Day 10 of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 16, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Wherever Knight has been, victory has followed. It couldn’t have been a more perfect way to end a dominant Olympics for Team USA, with Knight once again a hero for the Stars and Stripes.
