Hilary Knight Makes US Olympic History with Gold Medal Goal

The veteran forward's game-tying goal in the final minutes sent the women's hockey final to overtime, where the US won gold.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Hilary Knight scored the game-tying goal for the United States women's hockey team with just over three minutes left in regulation, sending the gold medal game against Canada to overtime. The Americans went on to win 2-1, giving Knight her second Olympic gold medal. Knight's goal also made her the all-time US leader in Olympic goals (15) and points (33).

Why it matters

Hilary Knight is considered one of the greatest American women's hockey players of all time. At 36 years old, this was likely her final Olympic appearance, making her historic performance all the more meaningful as she caps off an incredible career.

The details

With the US trailing 1-0 late in the third period, Knight redirected a shot from teammate Laila Edwards to tie the game and send it to overtime. In the extra period, Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal to give the US the gold medal in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Canada. Knight's goal was her 15th career Olympic goal, making her the all-time US leader, and her 33rd career Olympic point, also a US record.

  • The game-tying goal came with just over 3 minutes left in the third period on February 19, 2026.
  • The US went on to win the gold medal game in overtime on February 19, 2026.

The players

Hilary Knight

A 36-year-old veteran forward for the US women's hockey team, considered one of the greatest American players of all time.

Laila Edwards

A US women's hockey player who assisted on Hilary Knight's game-tying goal.

Megan Keller

The US women's hockey player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give the US the gold medal.

Ann-Renée Desbiens

The Canadian women's hockey goaltender who was nearly perfect until Knight's game-tying goal late in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“No way! I'm just happy about the gold medal. Oh my gosh, this feels amazing.”

— Hilary Knight (NBC)

“I've said this is my last Games, and I've had a heck of a week, personally. It's been an incredible ride, and I have to soak this all in because this room is just so special, this team is so special. This is the best U.S. hockey team I've ever been a part of.”

— Hilary Knight (NBC)

What’s next

Hilary Knight is expected to retire from international competition following her historic performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The takeaway

Hilary Knight's game-tying goal in the final minutes and the US women's hockey team's thrilling overtime victory capped off an incredible career for one of the greatest American players of all time. Knight's records and two Olympic gold medals cement her legacy as a true legend of the sport.