By Matthew Davis
The United States’ all-time leading Olympic goal scorer, Hilary Knight, delivered when it counted most.
Knight scored a game-tying goal with two minutes left in regulation after archrival Canada led most of the gold medal game in Milan on Thursday. She tallied her 15th Olympic goal to tie the game, 1–1, allowing the U.S. to force overtime before a 2–1 victory for the gold medal.
“We just knew that we needed to put one good shot on net and get through and advance, and we’re going to put a second one in,” Knight told NBC Sports afterward.
Megan Keller delivered the game-winning goal. Keller slipped past Canada’s Claire Thompson and popped the puck through Canada’s goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens’ legs.
After a scoreless first period, Canada grabbed a 1–0 lead when Kristin O’Neill scored shorthanded just 54 seconds into the second period. Team USA skaters Hannah Bilka and Haley Winn both had close shots during regulation, but neither went in.
“We definitely had to will something,” Knight said. “We came out a little slow in the first. Started to pick up momentum in the second and the third. When you have a one-goal deficit against Canada, great team, you have to find the back of the net, especially against a great goaltender. So we knew it was a matter of time just leaning on them slowly … but you can also run out of time against a great team.
“So fortunate that we have an amazing squad to be able to get the job done,” she added.
Knight’s goal broke a three-way tie with former U.S. Olympic women’s hockey greats Natalie Darwitz and Katie King Crowley at 14 points. For two weeks, Knight didn’t score any goals during what could be her final Olympiad. She became the first women’s hockey player to appear in five Winter Games for the United States. The Idaho native played in the 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 games before this year.
“I’m just happy to have a gold medal,” Knight said after she reacted gleefully over the scoring record. “Oh my gosh, this feels amazing.”
Overall, the U.S. edged Canada on shots, 33-31, and the U.S. had a big game in net from goalie Aerin Frankel, who stopped 30 shots, including a highlight-reel-worthy save.
“That save she made, I don’t know if it was off her head or whatever,” Knight said. “She’s unbelievable. She’s been lights out for us all year, and I miss playing with her in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, but she’s an incredible talent. I’m so glad the world gets to see it.”
The U.S. dominated most of the tournament by outscoring opponents 31–1 before the gold medal game. Team USA’s lone goal allowed before Canada came against Czechia in the group play opener.
“Winning gold here in Milan was the ultimate goal, and our group battled constantly to make that a reality,” U.S. women’s head coach John Wroblewski told reporters via the USA hockey website. “From our veteran leadership to our first-time Olympians, this team came together to accomplish something greater than themselves. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Team USA went unbeaten in the Olympics for the first time since 1998 with six wins and a tie. The U.S. also won the third-ever gold medal game to go into overtime, as the previous two were in 2014 and 2018.
That USA win in 2018 came against Canada in a shootout, and it ended a 20-year gold medal drought. Knight, who played on that team, won her second career gold medal on Thursday. As for her future, the 36-year-old had a two-word statement on the matter.
“We’ll see,” Knight said with a smile.
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