Ice hockey-United States earn gold, revenge in OT win over Canada

MILAN, Feb 19 : The United States tasted revenge sweeter than maple syrup as they came from behind to beat defending champions Canada 2-1 to win gold in an overtime thriller in women's ice hockey at the Milano Cortina Olympics on Thursday.

Megan Keller netted the winner to dethrone their arch rivals in an instant classic, sealing a spine-tingling affair and bringing a roar of American joy that echoed throughout Santagiulia Arena.

The U.S. looked headed for more disappointment after losing to their hated foes four years ago, as they were kept off the scoreboard and trailing late in the third period.

But captain Hilary Knight played the hero one more time in her fifth and final Olympics, tying it to take the tight-checking Games decider to three-on-three sudden death hockey, where Keller went around defender Claire Thompson and slipped the puck past the Canadian goalie to clinch a third Olympic gold for the U.S. women.

The game gave fans yet another classic chapter in the sport's greatest rivalry, and the packed stands offered duelling chants of "Canada!" and "USA!" from puck drop.

"I was just trying to make a move, take a chance. I was trying to win, not play to not lose. That's what we talked about in the locker room," said Keller. 

"In my view, this is the best hockey team the world has ever seen."

ROOK-TO-KNIGHT SENDS GAME TO OT

The Americans were the favourites after handing Canada their first-ever Olympic shutout 5-0 in the group stage, but fears of a one-sided final were soon dispelled as the Canadian goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens put on a lights-out performance through the first period.

The U.S. had a prime chance to break the impasse with a power play at the start of the second. Instead, the crafty Canadian squad flexed their