Team USA Takeaways: How U.S. Women's Hockey Captured Gold Medal in Win Over Canada

The U.S. defeated Canada on Thursday afternoon.

The United States captured the gold on Thursday afternoon. | Erick W. Rasco / Sports Illustrated

The United States women’s hockey team has captured the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Despite trailing 1–0 with just over two minutes to go, the U.S. stormed back—sparked by a clutch goal from star Hilary Knight with an empty net behind her—and defeated Canada in overtime, sealing the gold medal on a game-winner from Megan Keller.

Here are some takeaways from the final women’s hockey contest in Milan—a 2–1 United States victory over Canada:

Hilary Knight stands alone in U.S. Olympic history

Hilary Knight helped the U.S. to a 2–1 victory over Canada. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The captain came up clutch yet again for Team USA. With their backs against the wall, Knight came up with her biggest-ever goal for the U.S., tying up the game with just over two minutes remaining in regulation.

It was a record-setting goal for Knight, who now stands alone as the all-time leader in Olympic goals (15) and points (33) in the history of U.S. women’s ice hockey at the Games.

In what was her final Olympic outing, Knight emphatically cemented her legacy as one of the all-time greats.

Both Aerin Frankel and Ann-Renee Desbiens were brick walls in net

Aerin Frankel stopped 30 of Canada’s 31 shots. | Erick W. Rasco / Sports Illustrate

Despite allowing two late goals down the stretch, Canada's goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens was phenomenal for most of the contest. She limited the United States to just two goals on 33 shots while turning aside a first-period power play to keep her team in control early.

MORE: Full History of Team USA Women’s Hockey vs. Canada Rivalry Ahead of Gold Medal Game

Aeirin Frankel, meanwhile, was also nails in this one—saving 30 of Canada’s 31 shots while remaining flawless in the third period and overtime, helping the U.S. cement their comeback victory.

The U.S. is back on top of the women’s hockey world

The United States is back on top of the women’s hockey world. | Erick W. Rasco / Sports Illustrated

The United States women’s hockey team has now captured its third gold medal at the Winter Olympics, and its first since 2018. In the process, they’ve also knocked Canada off the podium—down to silver—for another four years.

The U.S. women’s hockey team’s run through the 2026 Olympics:

▶️ 7-0 record
▶️ 33-2 goal differential
▶️ Olympic record 352-minute shutout streak
▶️ 5 goals in six straight games
▶️ Beat Canada twice
▶️ Gold medal 🥇

— Mitch Goldich 🐙 (@mitchgoldich) February 19, 2026

Thanks for following along here at Sports Illustrated for the entirety of the United States' 2–1 win over Canada. Here's a look at our full live blog:

FINAL: Team USA 2 – Canada 1

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