Hilary Knight makes Olympic history with dramatic game-tying goal

Knight's clutch goal sparked Team USA's gold medal victory over Canada

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Hilary Knight, the captain of the U.S. women's hockey team, made Olympic history on Thursday night in Milan by scoring the game-tying goal with just over 2 minutes left in regulation, sending the gold medal game against Canada to overtime. Knight's goal broke the U.S. women's record for career Olympic goals and points, and her team ultimately won the gold medal in overtime, marking Knight's second Olympic gold and fifth overall medal.

Why it matters

Knight's historic performance cemented her legacy as one of the greatest women's hockey players of all time. Her ability to deliver in the clutch moment of the gold medal game helped Team USA overcome their long-standing rival Canada and capture the Olympic title.

The details

With the U.S. trailing 1-0 late in the third period, Knight tipped home a shot from Julia Edwards to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra period, Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal to give the U.S. the gold medal. Knight's goal broke the U.S. women's records for career Olympic goals (15) and points (33), surpassing previous marks held by Natalie Darwitz, Katie King, and Jenny Potter.

  • The game-tying goal occurred with just 2:04 remaining in regulation.
  • The gold medal game was played on Thursday, February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

The players

Hilary Knight

The captain of the U.S. women's hockey team, Knight is considered one of the greatest women's hockey players of all time. She has now won two Olympic gold medals and five total Olympic medals over her illustrious career.

Julia Edwards

A U.S. women's hockey player who assisted on Hilary Knight's game-tying goal in the gold medal game.

Megan Keller

The U.S. women's hockey player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to clinch the gold medal for Team USA.

Ann-Renée Desbiens

The goaltender for the Canadian women's hockey team, who was unable to stop the game-winning shot in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“Hilary Knight's goal was the moment that sparked our comeback and ultimately led us to the gold medal. She's a true leader and one of the all-time greats in our sport.”

— Julia Edwards, U.S. women's hockey player

What’s next

Knight will look to lead Team USA to another gold medal at the 2030 Winter Olympics, where she will have a chance to cement her legacy as the greatest women's hockey player of all time.

The takeaway

Hilary Knight's historic performance in the gold medal game underscores her status as one of the most dominant and clutch players in women's hockey history. Her ability to rise to the occasion and lead her team to victory is a testament to her skill, experience, and unparalleled competitive drive.