Hilary Knight makes Olympic history with spectacular game-tying goal that led to Team USA gold.
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Team USA women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight’s huge goal in the third period that sent the gold medal game against Canada into overtime had historic implications Thursday night in Milan.
Knight became the leading women’s hockey scorer in Olympic history when she scored Julia Edwards’ shot at the blue line with just 2:04 left on the clock while the United States had an empty net, to tie the gold medal game at one goal apiece.
Ultimately, Team USA was able to erase the shutout against Canada, and it ultimately worked in their favor.
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Hilary Knight (21) of the United States celebrates with her teammates after scoring a goal in the third period during the women’s gold medal game against Canada at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
In overtime, Megan Keller circled a Team Canada defender and launched a backhand toward the net that went through Ann-Renée Desbiens’ right arm and into the net to win the gold medal.
Knight’s goal broke the American women’s record for professional goals while representing the Stars and Stripes, which was previously held by Natalie Darwitz and Katie King. He now has 15 in his career.
US WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM BRINGS OLYMPIC GOLD BACK HOME IN OT THRILLER ABOUT CANADA
Knight also broke the record for most Olympic points in Team USA women’s hockey history with her 33rd point, breaking the record previously held by Jenny Potter, who scored 11 goals and 21 assists in her career.
This only adds to the illustrious career Knight has had for Team USA. The victory in Milan marked his second Olympic gold medal and fifth overall. And yes, that is another Olympic record.
Hilary Knight of the United States celebrates her goal during the women’s gold medal match against Canada at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on February 19, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (RvS.Media/Monika Majer)
Knight, 36, also became the third Olympic hockey player, male or female, to have five career medals.
There’s a reason Knight wears the “C” on his chest, having amassed 12 gold medals throughout his career between the Olympics and world championships. He has recorded 81 goals and 70 assists throughout his long career.
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Back home, Knight’s PWHL resume includes tying the league lead in points during the 2024-25 campaign with 29 while playing for the Boston Fleet.
Hilary Knight of the United States during the second period of a women’s semifinal playoff game against Sweden at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on February 16, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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And in Seattle Torrent’s first season this year, she is tied for sixth in the league with seven assists.
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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for News Digital.