Canada Opened Up the Scoring in Gold Medal Game vs. United States in Shocking Fashion

American power play turned into a disaster.

Kristin O'Neill finds the back of the net to give Canada a 1-0 lead in the gold medal game against the United States. | Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

The latest edition of the long and storied women's hockey rivalry between the United States and Canada is playing out at the Milan Cortina Games with a gold medal on the line. After the two teams played a scoreless first period, Team USA entered the second with momentum and optimism as they knew they'd enjoy a power play. But the vibes quickly changed when a loose puck was left unattended and led to a shocking shorthanded goal by Canada's Kristin O'Neill.

In such a tight game, the margin for error is incredibly thin and there's a chance that this mishap will loom large of the Americans can't figure out a way to find the equalizer.

The replay shows just how benign the play appeared to be until it turned into disaster for the U.S.

SHORTHANDED GOAL. 💪

It's Kristin O'Neill who gives Canada the lead. pic.twitter.com/vapn6D28Hj

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 19, 2026

Canada's Laura Stacey reacted before anyone else and was able to gain possession with a full head of steam headed the other way. She then fed O'Neil who was able to sneak one past United States goalie Aerin Frankel.

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