Hilary Knight scores Olympic record-setting goal to force overtime

US women's hockey team rallies late to force extra period against Canada in gold medal match

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In a stunning turn of events, the heavily favored US women's hockey team found themselves trailing Canada late in the gold medal match at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. But with just over a minute remaining, legendary forward Hilary Knight scored a dramatic, record-setting goal to tie the game and force overtime, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

Why it matters

The US women's hockey team was heavily favored to win gold after dominating their opponents throughout the tournament, but faced an unexpected challenge from their longtime rivals Canada. Knight's heroic late goal preserved the Americans' chance at the title and capped off an illustrious Olympic career for the 37-year-old forward, one of the sport's all-time greats.

The details

With the US trailing 2-1 in the final minute of regulation, Knight corralled a loose puck in the Canadian zone and fired a wrist shot past the goaltender to tie the game with just 1:04 remaining. The goal was Knight's 11th career Olympic tally, setting a new record for most goals scored in women's Olympic hockey history.

  • The gold medal match took place on Thursday, February 20, 2026 at Santagiulia Arena in Milan, Italy.
  • Knight scored the game-tying goal with 1:04 left in the third period.

The players

Hilary Knight

A 37-year-old forward for the US women's hockey team, considered one of the greatest players in the sport's history with multiple Olympic and world championship medals.

United States women's hockey team

The heavily favored US squad entered the gold medal match undefeated, having outscored their opponents 31-1 through the first six games of the tournament.

Canada women's hockey team

The longtime rivals of the US, Canada put up a strong challenge in the gold medal match after the Americans had dominated their previous opponents.

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What they’re saying

“Hilary Knight is a true legend of the game. That goal was the perfect ending to her Olympic career.”

— Mollie Walker, Sports columnist (nypost.com)

What’s next

The gold medal match will head to overtime, with the US and Canada battling to determine the Olympic champion.

The takeaway

At 37 years old, Hilary Knight proved she still has the skill and determination to deliver in the biggest moments, scoring a dramatic, record-setting goal to force overtime in the Olympic gold medal match and keep the US women's hockey team's hopes alive for one final push.