Why the U.S. women won -- and Canada lost -- 2026 Olympic gold - ESPN

ESPN

by Greg Wyshynski

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. women’s hockey team secured an electrifying 2-1 overtime victory against Canada to claim their third Olympic gold medal, showcasing resilience and skill under immense pressure. Trailing 1-0 for most of the game, Team USA fought back with Hilary Knight’s tying goal in the final minutes of regulation. The game proceeded to overtime, where Megan Keller’s decisive move sealed the win, marking a pivotal moment in the storied rivalry between the two hockey powers. Canada entered the contest as underdogs but demonstrated their strength early, with Kristin O’Neill scoring just 54 seconds into the second period. This broke Team USA’s streak of seven consecutive wins against Canada and tested their mental fortitude. The U.S., despite being heavy favorites, struggled initially, committing three penalties that kept Canada in the game. Aerin Frankel’s stellar performance in goal, making 30 saves, was crucial in keeping Canada from capitalizing further. The turning point came late in regulation when Knight, a veteran leader and record holder for Olympic goals, redirected a shot to tie the score. This moment highlighted the team's blend of experience and youthful determination, with Laila Edwards—a historic figure as the first Black woman on the U.S. hockey team—contributing to the play that led to the tying goal. In overtime, the game became a spectacle of skill and strategy. Taylor Heise, making her Olympic debut after being cut in Beijing, displayed remarkable composure by threading a pass through the Canadian defense to Megan Keller, who finished it off with a precise wrist shot. This victory not only crowned Team USA as champions but also reaffirmed their status as a dominant force in women’s hockey. The rivalry between the U.S. and Canada is one of the most intense in sports, and this game epitomized the competitive spirit that defines it. The outcome was a testament to Team USA's ability to overcome adversity, showcasing their mental toughness and strategic acumen. For sports enthusiasts, this match offered an unforgettable display of skill, determination, and the unyielding spirit of competition, solidifying

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026