Keller’s Overtime Backhand Wins Golden Comeback for U.S.
Megan Keller’s 4:07 overtime backhand gave the United States a 2-1 win over Canada and its third women's Olympic hockey gold medal.
Overview
Megan Keller scored on a backhand 4:07 into overtime to give the United States a 2-1 victory over Canada for the women's Olympic hockey gold.
Hilary Knight tied the game with 2:04 remaining by tipping Laila Edwards' shot, giving Knight 15 career Olympic goals and 33 career points, both U.S. records, in her fifth Olympics.
Keller said she took a chance to win rather than play not to lose, and teammates praised the group's resolve while Canadian players described the result as heartbreaking, according to postgame remarks.
The U.S. extended dominant form, outscoring tournament opponents by roughly 31–33 to 1–2, and the win gave the United States its third women's Olympic hockey gold while Canada now has five.
Hilary Knight proposed to speedskater Brittany Bowe on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and Knight's Olympic career concluded after the Milano Cortina Games.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Knight's Olympic finale as a heroic, emotional capstone — using celebratory language ("clutch," "storybook ending," "swan song," "most dramatic way possible"), foregrounding teammates' praise and her engagement, and stressing the U.S.–Canada rivalry. They emphasize legacy and human-interest angles while omitting tactical analysis and non-U.S. perspectives.
Sources (8)
FAQ
Megan Keller, a 29-year-old defender from Farmington Hills, MI, playing for the PWHL's Boston Fleet, won Olympic gold in 2018 and silver in 2022. She has six IIHF World Championship golds (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2025) and three silvers, and led NCAA defensemen in points at Boston College.
Hilary Knight tied the game 1-1 with 2:04 left in regulation by tipping Laila Edwards' shot, setting an Olympic record with 15 career goals and 33 points in her fifth Olympics.
The U.S. showed dominant form, outscoring opponents roughly 31-33 to 1-2 overall. Keller had 3 goals and 6 assists in 7 games; in quarterfinals, she scored and assisted in a 6-0 win over Italy.
The U.S. secured its third Olympic gold (previously 2018, and one earlier), while Canada has five golds.
Hilary Knight proposed to speedskater Brittany Bowe on February 18, and her Olympic career concluded after the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
History
4 sources