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The United States women's national hockey team has won the Olympic gold medal, defeating Canada in a dramatic overtime match. The victory marks the United States' third Olympic gold in the sport, while Canada, a perennial powerhouse, earned its third silver medal. The final score was 2-1, with the decisive goal scored by Megan Keller in the extra period. This event caps a significant chapter in the long-standing rivalry between the two nations in Olympic women's hockey.

Game Overview

The championship game, held at the Milan Cortina Games, was a closely contested affair. Canada took an early lead with a shorthanded goal in the second period by Kristen O'Neill. The United States managed to equalize late in the third period, with Hilary Knight scoring with just 2:04 remaining. The game then went into overtime, where Megan Keller secured the win for the U.S.

Golden goal: Keller, U.S. women top Canada in OT - 1

Key Moments and Player Performances

  • Hilary Knight's Milestone: American captain Hilary Knight’s game-tying goal was a significant moment, moving her into sole possession of the U.S. record for most Olympic goals with 15 and most Olympic points with 33. This marked her final Olympic game, capping a distinguished career.

  • Megan Keller's Game-Winner: Keller scored the golden goal 4:07 into overtime. Reports describe her breaking up the left wing and backhanding the puck past Canadian goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens.

  • Goaltender Efforts: For the U.S., Aerin Frankel made 30 saves, while Canada's Ann-Renée Desbiens stopped 31 shots.

  • Defensive Play: Both teams showed strong defensive efforts. Canada's Kristen O'Neill scored a shorthanded goal, and Alex Carpenter of the U.S. had a near-scoring chance in the first period.

Historical Context of the Rivalry

The gold medal game represented the seventh time that the United States and Canada have competed for Olympic women's hockey gold. Canada has historically dominated the sport, winning five gold medals to the U.S.'s three. The victory improved the United States' record against Canada in Olympic gold-medal games to 3-4.

Player Recognition and Career Endings

  • Hilary Knight: This Olympics marked the fifth and final Games for the 36-year-old American forward. She is noted as the most decorated player in U.S. women's hockey history. Her performance in the final, including scoring the equalizer, further solidified her legacy. Knight also had a personal milestone during the Games, proposing to her partner, speedskater Brittany Bowe.

  • Megan Keller: A three-time Olympian and now a two-time gold medalist, Keller's goal secured a place in American hockey history. She was an assistant captain for the U.S. team.

Broader Tournament Context

The women's hockey tournament concluded with this gold medal match. In the bronze medal game, Switzerland defeated Sweden 2-1 in overtime. The United States' two goals in the gold medal game were their fewest in a single game throughout the tournament.

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