Sun Feb 22 13:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Team USA Claims Gold in Thrilling Overtime Victory Against Canada
The Story:
In a nail-biting finale at the Milan Olympics, the United States women’s hockey team secured the gold medal, defeating archrival Canada 2-1 in overtime. Veteran defenseman Megan Keller scored the decisive goal in a 3-on-3 overtime, while Hilary Knight, in her final Olympic appearance, tied the game with just over 2 minutes remaining in regulation. The victory capped off a dominant tournament for Team USA, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in women’s hockey.
Key Points:
- Megan Keller scored the golden goal in overtime.
- Hilary Knight scored the game-tying goal late in the third period, marking her final Olympic game.
- Knight became the all-time leading U.S. scorer (men or women) in Olympic hockey with 15 goals and 33 points.
- This marks Knight’s second Olympic gold medal.
- U.S. goalie Aerin Frankel recorded a .980 save percentage and three shutouts throughout the tournament.
- Team USA swept the Rivalry Series leading up to the Olympics by a combined score of 24-7.
- Canada’s captain Marie-Philip Poulin was noticeably hampered by a right knee injury.
- The United States gave up only two goals in the tournament, tying for the fewest allowed in a single Olympics by a women’s team.
Key Takeaways:
- Hilary Knight cemented her legacy as one of the greatest U.S. women’s hockey players of all time with a clutch performance in her final Olympics.
- The U.S. women’s hockey team continues to dominate the international stage, underscoring the depth and talent within the program.
- The rivalry between the United States and Canada remains the defining narrative in women’s hockey, with both teams consistently battling for gold.
- The emergence of young players like Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards signals a bright future for U.S. women’s hockey.
- Goaltending proved to be a major factor in the tournament, with Aerin Frankel’s outstanding performance helping to secure the gold medal.
First Piper 