U.S. Women's Hockey Wins Gold in Overtime Thriller

When 36-year-old Hilary Knight tied the game with just over two minutes left in her final Olympic appearance, she did exactly what her teammates expected her to do.

Megan Keller scored the golden goal in overtime Thursday as the United States women's hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 to win Olympic gold in Milan. The dramatic finish brought Knight's storied career to a close with her second gold medal, cementing her status as the most decorated player in U.S. women's hockey history.

Knight's game-tying goal with 2:04 remaining in regulation moved her to the top of the U.S. Olympic record books with 15 career goals and 33 points across five Games. She deflected a shot with the goalie pulled, setting the stage for Keller's overtime heroics.

"I remember coach drawing it up, and I was like, 'Yeah, this is our moment. Here we go,'" Knight said after the game.

The victory represented more than just another gold for the program. Knight announced last May that these would be her final Olympics, and she made them count in memorable fashion, proposing to her partner, U.S. speedskater Brittany Bowe, just two days before the final.

Goalie Aerin Frankel made 30 saves and became the first goalie in Olympic history to record three shutouts in one tournament. The U.S. defense was nearly impenetrable, giving up only two goals all tournament and outscoring opponents 33-2.

The gold medal game also showcased the future of U.S. women's hockey. Wisconsin seniors Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards led the team in ice time and combined for 18 points, often playing alongside the veterans they once idolized as children.

Why This Inspires

This team embodied everything sports should be about. Ten different players registered at least five points in the tournament, showing the depth and teamwork that defines championship programs.

Knight's final performance proved that the best athletes show up when it matters most. After a dominant tournament where they'd scored at least five goals in every previous game, Team USA found themselves in a tight battle and needed their legend to deliver one more time.

The veteran forward embraced the pressure and the moment, just as she had throughout her career. Her teammates weren't surprised at all.

"Classic Hilary," they said, and they were right.