Megan Keller's OT goal lifts U.S. past Canada for Olympic gold - ESPN

MILAN — In Hilary Knight's last Olympics, she came up clutch yet again.

Veteran defenseman Megan Keller scored the golden goal in 3-on-3 overtime Thursday as the United States women's hockey team won Olympic gold by beating archrival Canada 2-1.

That moment wouldn't have been possible without Knight, who deflected a shot from defenseman Laila Edwards for the game-tying goal with 2:04 remaining in the third period to give life to Team USA.

The U.S. had allowed only one goal all tournament before Canada fourth-liner Kristen O'Neill scored short-handed early in the second period of Thursday's finale.

It marked the final Olympic game for 36-year-old Knight, who with her second gold medal became the most decorated player in U.S. women's hockey history. She announced last May that these Games — her fifth — would be her last.

«She's the leader of our group, the heartbeat,» Keller said. «We don't get here without her. I can't say enough great things about her, and to cap off her Olympic career in this fashion, just so happy for her.»

Knight's third-period tally moved her into sole possession atop the U.S. record book — men's or women's — for most Olympic goals (15) and points (33). She had a memorable Olympics, proposing to her partner, U.S. speedskater Brittany Bowe, two days before the gold medal match.

The U.S. roster featured a strong blend of veterans and breakout young players, and the 2026 Games represented a passing of the torch. Wisconsin seniors Caroline Harvey and Edwards, who had a combined 18 points and were the top two U.S. skaters in terms of ice time, are among the U.S. team members who have photos from their childhood posing with Knight.

The United States gave up only two goals in the tournament, tying the 2006