USA Women Capture Olympic Gold as Men’s Hockey Team Eyes Knockout Clash

The U.S. women’s ice hockey team captured gold in dramatic fashion on Thursday, defeating rival Canada in a thrilling overtime victory.

Canada led most of the game, but Team USA secured the win with a late third-period surge and clutch defense in the closing minutes.

After a cautious first period, Canada opened the scoring in the second with Kristin O’Neill scoring on a short-handed breakaway. This marked the first time the Americn team had trailed in a game throughout the entire Olympics.

Comeback Victory

Team USA failed to put the puck in the net until late in the third period. With the goalie pulled for an extra attacker, a stretch pass caught the Canadian defense flat-footed and forward Hilary Knight redirected a shot to tie the game at 1–1, making her the all-time leader for U.S. women’s hockey in Olympic points (33) and goals (15).

In overtime, defenseman Megan Keller made a nice move to slip past the Canadian defense and slid a shot in between Canadian goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens’ legs.

“This team’s got so much resolve,” Knight said after the game. “Never quit, always ready to fight and go to battle. It’s just a testament to the preparation of our group, the love that we have in that room, and the way that we just have to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.”

Men’s Tournament Shifts to High-Stakes Matchups

For hockey fans who enjoy NHL betting as well as some Winter Olympics betting in general, the men’s and women’s games have offered some nice wagering opportunities

The U.S. men’s team has now reached the semifinals and was slated to take on Slovakia on Friday after knocking off Sweden 2-1 in overtime in the quarterfinals. Captain Auston Matthews has led offensively, while the defensive unit has limited opponents’ transition opportunities.

Team USA is favored by 1.5 against Slovakia with the over/under set at 5.5, according to FanDuel. A win and the squad would take on the winner of Canada and Finland, which were also set to play on Friday.

A potential U.S.–Canada meeting in the men’s medal rounds would renew a rivalry that defines Olympic hockey. With both nations still in contention, the stage is set for more drama on the ice.