Hilary Knight breaks Olympic record with winning goal for Team USA

Team USA women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight’s massive third-period goal that sent the gold medal game against Canada to overtime had historic implications Thursday night in Milan.

Knight became the greatest women’s hockey scorer in Olympic history when she tipped home Julia Edwards’ shot at the blue line with just 2:04 left on the clock while the U.S. had an empty net, to tie the gold medal game at one goal apiece. 

Finally, 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 teammates after scoring a goal in the third period during the women’s gold medal match against Canada at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Feb. 19, 2026, in Milan, Italy.  (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

In overtime, Megan Keller dangled around a Team Canada defender and tossed a backhand toward the net that got through Ann-Renée Desbiens’ right arm and trickled into the net for the gold medal victory. 

Knight’s goal broke the U.S. women’s record for career goals while representing the Stars and Stripes, which was previously held by Natalie Darwitz and Katie King. She now has 15 for her career.

USA WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM BRINGS OLYMPIC GOLD BACK HOME IN OT THRILLER OVER CANADA

Knight also broke the record for most career Olympic points in Team USA women’s hockey history with her 33rd point, breaking the record previously held by Jenny Potter, who had 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 her second Olympic gold medal and fifth overall. And, yes, that is yet another Olympic record. 

Hilary Knight of the United States celebrates her goal during the women’s gold medal match against Canada at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Feb. 19, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (RvS.Media/Monika Majer)

Knight, 36, also became the third Olympic hockey player, man or woman, to have five medals in a career.

There’s a reason why Knight wears the “C” on her chest, having tallied 12 gold medals over her career between the Olympics and world championships. She has registered 81 goals and 70 assists throughout her long career. 

Back home, Knight’s resume in the PWHL includes tying for 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 playoffs semifinal match against Sweden at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Feb. 16, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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And in the Seattle Torrent’s first-ever season this year, she is tied for sixth in the league with seven assists. 

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