Megan Keller's OT goal lifts U.S. past Canada for Olympic gold - ESPN

ESPN

by Emily Kaplan

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The United States women's hockey team secured Olympic gold with a thrilling 2-1 victory over archrival Canada in the final match of the Beijing Games. Megan Keller scored the golden goal in 3-on-3 overtime, capping off a dramatic finish that began with Hilary Knight deflecting a shot from defenseman Laila Edwards to tie the game late in regulation. This was Knight's final Olympics, and her assist set the stage for Keller's decisive play, showcasing her leadership and experience on the ice. Knight, a 36-year-old veteran, became the most decorated player in U.S. women's hockey history with her second gold medal. Her record-breaking performance included scoring the tournament's 15th goal and amassing 33 points overall. The game was emotional for Knight, who proposed to her partner, U.S. speedskater Brittany Bowe, just two days before the final match. Her impact on the team was evident in how her teammates celebrated her contributions, calling her performance "classic" and a fitting end to her storied career. The U.S. team demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess throughout the tournament, allowing only two goals in total—tying the record set by Canadian teams in 2006 and 2010. Goalie Aerin Frankel was a standout, recording three shutouts and finishing with a remarkable .980 save percentage. Her stellar performance kept the team in contention despite limited offensive support in regulation. The match also marked a significant moment for the next generation of U.S. hockey players. Younger skaters like Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards contributed significantly, combining for 18 points and leading the team in ice time. Their emergence alongside veteran stars like Knight and Kendall Coyne Schofield highlighted the

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026