Veteran forward Hilary Knight etched her name deeper into Olympic history after delivering a defining moment in Team USA’s gold-medal clash against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Record-breaking equalizer in gold-medal thriller
With just 2:04 remaining in the third period, Knight produced a landmark goal to tie the game and force overtime. The U.S. captain redirected a shot from teammate Laila Edwards, igniting hopes of a dramatic finish on the sport’s biggest stage.
The goal was more than just a lifeline — it marked Knight’s 15th career Olympic goal and her 33rd Olympic point, making her the all-time U.S. leader in both categories. She surpassed the previous American goals record shared by Natalie Darwitz and Katie King, while also moving past Jenny Potter’s points tally.
Earlier in the tournament, Knight had equaled the U.S. goals mark with a strike against Finland on Feb. 7 and tied the points record with an assist against Canada in the preliminary round on Feb. 10. After two quiet outings without registering a point, she delivered when it mattered most.
Fifth and final Olympic chapter
The 36-year-old is competing in her fifth and final Olympic Games, having debuted in Vancouver in 2010. Over the course of Milano Cortina 2026, she has scored in three of her seven appearances, bringing her tournament tally to three goals.
Hilary Knight’s career Olympic resume now stands at 15 goals and 33 points, with 18 assists — just three shy of Potter’s American assist record of 21. Across her five Olympic appearances, her consistency has defined her legacy:
2010 (Vancouver): One goal, eight points
2014 (Sochi): Three goals, six points
2018 (Pyeongchang): Two goals, three points
2022 (Beijing): Six goals, 10 points
2026 (Milano Cortina): Three goals, six points
Among Olympic greats
Globally, Knight now ranks fourth on the all-time Olympic goals list, five behind Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin, who leads with 20. In points, she sits third all-time, trailing only Canadian legend Hayley Wickenheiser and Poulin.
As her Olympic journey reaches its conclusion, Hilary Knight’s latest heroics ensured her farewell chapter is written in gold — a fitting end for one of USA Hockey’s most decorated leaders.