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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 implications Thursday night in Milan.
Knight became the greatest women’s hockey scorer in Olympic history when she put away Julia Edwards’ shot at the blue line with just 2:04 left and an empty net for the United States to tie the gold medal game at one goal apiece.
Ultimately, the American team was able to shut out Canada, and that ultimately worked in their favor.
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Hilary Knight #21 of Team USA celebrates with her 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 Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Grégory Shamus/Getty Images)
In overtime, Megan Keller swung around a Team Canada defender and fired a backhand toward the net that crossed Ann-Renée Desbiens’ right arm and spilled into the net to win the gold medal.
Knight’s goal broke the American women’s career scoring record while representing the Stars and Stripes, which was previously held by Natalie Darwitz and Katie King. She now has 15 for her career.
U.S. WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM BRINGS HOME OLYMPIC GOLD IN OT THRILLER OVER CANADA
Additionally, Knight broke the record for most career Olympic points in Team USA women’s hockey history, scoring her 33rd career point. Knight breaks the record now held by Jenny Potter, who scored 11 goals and 21 assists during her career.
This only adds to Knight’s illustrious career with Team USA, as this victory in Milan marked his second Olympic gold medal and fifth overall. And yes, it’s yet 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 Milano 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 became the third Olympic hockey player, male or female, to win five career medals.
There’s a reason Knight wears the “C” on his chest, having collected 12 gold medals in his career between the Olympics and World Championships. She has compiled 81 goals and 70 assists throughout her long career.
Back home, Knight’s PWHL resume includes tying for the league lead in points during the 2024-25 campaign with 29 while playing for the Boston Fleet. And in the Seattle Torrent’s first-ever season this year, she’s tied for sixth in the league with seven assists so far.
Hilary Knight of Team USA watches the second period during the Women’s Qualifiers Semifinal match between the United States and Sweden on day 10 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 16, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Grégory Shamus/Getty Images)
Wherever Knight went, victory followed. It couldn’t have been a more perfect way to end a dominant Olympics for Team USA, where Knight was once again a hero for the Stars and Stripes.
