In a thrilling final that required overtime, the United States women's hockey team triumphed over Canada to claim the Olympic gold medal, recovering from a deficit in a match that showcased the fierce rivalry between the two national teams. Canada took an early lead and held it until late in the game, demonstrating their dominance with aggressive play. However, with just minutes remaining, the United States equalized, setting the stage for a nail-biting overtime period.

The final match began with a stalemate, with both teams unable to score in a tightly contested first period that ended 0-0. The Canadians gained an advantage early in the second period, with O’Neill scoring to put them ahead. Yet, the Americans persisted, showing resilience and determination as they pressed the attack consistently, which ultimately led to their equalizing goal in the final minutes of the match.

Once in overtime, the atmosphere was electric as both teams vied for gold. The United States capitalized on their opportunities, scoring the decisive goal to finish the match 2-1. This victory marks a significant win for the United States, providing a sweet revenge for their previous loss to Canada four years ago and highlighting the intense rivalry that continues to evolve on the international stage in women's hockey.