The United States women’s hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win Olympic gold on Thursday in what became one of the most dramatic finals in the rivalry’s storied history at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.
Team USA had dominated the entire tournament with a perfect 6-0 record heading into the final. Megan Keller scored the golden goal 4:06 into overtime beating Canadian goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens after juking past a defender deep in the Canadian zone.
Fans flooded social media with reactions ranging from celebration to competitive banter. The rivalry’s intensity was on full display as American supporters reveled in the dramatic victory over their northern neighbors.
Following are some fan reaction from X:
“One down, one to go!”
“Canada will always be lil bro,” quipped one user.
“First since 2018 and it had to be in OT against Canada? That’s the sweetest kind of revenge. USA on top where it belongs,” read one comment.
Some fans questioned the overtime format used in Olympic play. The 3-on-3 sudden death format differs from traditional 5-on-5 overtime used in most international competitions.
“I don’t get 3 v 3 overtime, why isn’t it 5 v 5? Especially a gold medal game is weird,” commented another user.
“That OT was so ahhhhhhh,” wrote one fan.
“OWNED IN THEIR OWN SPORT,” quipped one fan.
The victory was Team USA’s first Olympic gold since 2018 and their third overall in women’s hockey history.
Hilary Knight makes history in clutch moment as USA bags Olympic gold
The Americans had trailed for nearly the entire game after Canada’s Kristin O’Neill scored on a shorthanded breakaway early in the second period assisted by Laura Stacey. The goal ended Team USA’s remarkable shutout streak and marked the first time they had trailed all tournament.
For 56 minutes, Canadian goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens stonewalled the American attack. The United States dominated possession and generated numerous chances but could not solve Desbiens as time continued to tick away.
With just 2:04 remaining in regulation and the net pulled for an extra attacker, veteran forward Hilary Knight redirected a shot from Laila Edwards past Desbiens to tie the game. The goal was Knight’s 15th in Olympic competition which made her the all-time leading goal scorer in USA women’s Olympic hockey history.
The clutch tying goal sent the game to overtime and set the stage for Keller’s heroics. Team USA finished the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record while outscoring opponents 33-2 overall. Their only two goals allowed came against Canada in both meetings between the rivals.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno
