The United States women's national hockey team has secured the Olympic gold medal, triumphing over Canada in a closely contested overtime final. The win marks a significant achievement for the U.S. team, concluding a tournament with a dramatic finale that underscored the long-standing rivalry between the two nations. The match's outcome was decided in the extra period, reflecting the intense competition that has become a hallmark of their Olympic encounters.
Historical Rivalry and Tournament Stakes
The gold medal game at the Milan Cortina Games represented the latest chapter in one of sports' most enduring rivalries. The United States and Canada have faced each other in the women's hockey gold medal match for the fifth consecutive time and the seventh time overall. This particular game held added weight as the U.S. team sought to avenge their loss to Canada in the final four years prior. For Hilary Knight, a veteran of five Olympic Games, this victory holds special significance as she aims to add another gold to her collection of three silvers. The history of women's Olympic hockey, introduced in 1998, shows these two nations as the only ones to have ever won gold.
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Match Progression and Decisive Moments
Canada held a 1-0 lead heading into the third period, their advantage stemming from a shorthanded goal by Kristin O'Neill early in the second period. For much of the game, Canada appeared poised to secure the win, with goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens making numerous saves. However, with just over two minutes remaining in regulation, Hilary Knight scored the equalizer for the United States, sending the game into sudden-death overtime.
The overtime period was brief. Approximately four minutes in, Megan Keller broke through the Canadian defense, scoring the game-winning goal. Reports indicate Keller moved down the left wing and beat Desbiens with a backhand shot over her right pad, securing the 2-1 victory for the United States. Aerin Frankel, the U.S. goaltender, made crucial saves throughout the game, notably stopping 30 shots, while Desbiens recorded 31 saves for Canada.
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Statistical Overview
| Team | Goals Scored | Assists | Goalie Saves | Period Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 | Keller, Knight | Frankel (30) | 1st: 0, 2nd: 0, 3rd: 1, OT: 1 |
| Canada | 1 | N/A | Desbiens (31) | 1st: 0, 2nd: 1, 3rd: 0, OT: 0 |
Analysis of Performance
Canada's performance throughout the game was characterized by a strong defensive effort and a well-executed shorthanded goal. Reports suggest Canada "outplayed the United States for much of the game," maintaining their lead for over two periods. However, their inability to secure the win in regulation points to challenges in closing out close games against top opposition.
The U.S. team demonstrated resilience and an ability to execute under pressure. Their comeback in the third period, culminating in Knight's tying goal, highlights their tenacity. The overtime winner by Keller underscores the depth of offensive talent on the U.S. squad. The U.S. victory also extends their winning streak against Canada in all international play to eight games.
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Key Figures and Records
Hilary Knight: Scored the crucial tying goal late in the third period. Her performance in this game has been noted as setting new U.S. women's hockey Olympic records for most career goals and points.
Megan Keller: Scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
Kristin O'Neill: Scored Canada's lone goal, a shorthanded effort in the second period.
Aerin Frankel: U.S. Goaltender, credited with significant saves.
Ann-Renee Desbiens: Canadian Goaltender, with a high number of saves.
Broader Implications
This victory marks the United States' third Olympic gold medal in women's hockey. It solidifies their status as a dominant force in the sport and continues a trend of alternating gold medals with Canada over recent Olympics. For Canada, the silver medal represents a continuation of their own strong Olympic legacy, having won the other five gold medals awarded in the sport's history. The intense rivalry and the high caliber of play in this final suggest that this dynamic will likely persist in future international competitions.
Expert Commentary
"This was the third U.S.-Canada showdown to go to overtime. This was the seventh gold medal match, and fifth in a row, between the two hockey powerhouses." – CBS News
"The Americans came back from a late deficit to win a 2-1 thriller in overtime over their archnemesis in Canada." – Fox News
"Team USA has now won the gold medal in two of the last three Olympics, and it extends winning streak against Canada in all international play to eight games." – CBS Sports
"For decades, Canada had been the top dog of Olympic women's ice hockey. She [Hilary Knight] has competed in five Olympic Games, winning two gold medals, including Thursday's, and three silvers." – NPR
"Megan Keller backhanded in a shot 4:07 into overtime and the United States won its third Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey, beating Canada 2-1 at the Milan Cortina Games on Thursday night to close another thrilling chapter of one of sports’ most heated rivalries." – Associated Press
Conclusion
The United States women's hockey team has achieved Olympic glory, defeating archrival Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime final. The victory was engineered by a late comeback in regulation, initiated by Hilary Knight, and sealed by Megan Keller's overtime winner. This gold medal win is the U.S. team's third Olympic title and further deepens the storied rivalry with Canada, which secured the silver. The match showcased the exceptional talent and competitive spirit of both nations, culminating in a dramatic conclusion that resonated throughout the tournament.
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Primary Sources
CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2026-milan-cortina-winter-olympics-womens-hockey-gold-medal-us-canada/
Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/usa-womens-hockey-team-brings-olympic-gold-back-home-ot-thriller-over-canada
CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/olympics/news/team-usa-womens-hockey-canada-live-updates-score-where-to-watch/live/
CTV News: https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/article/canada-leads-usa-1-0-in-the-battle-for-olympic-gold-live-updates-here/
ESPN: https://www.espn.com/olympics/story//id/47976418/2026-milan-cortina-winter-olympics-live-updates-women-hockey-usa-canada-gold-medal
NBC Olympics: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/team-usa-defeats-canada-takes-home-womens-hockey-gold-storybook-ending
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5719332/winter-olympics-us-canada-womens-hockey-final-gold
Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5
The New York Times (The Athletic): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/usa-vs-canada-live-score-womens-hockey-gold-medal-winter-olympics/2oxlnbLTdsUN/
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/usa-canada-olympic-womens-hockey-gold-results-highlights/88744612007/
