The Associated Press United States players celebrate after their win.

MILAN — A last Olympic goal for Hilary Knight, a gold medal-winning overtime one for Megan Keller, and the Americans cemented their reputation as one of the most dominant women’s hockey teams to take the ice.

After romping through their first six outings at the Milan Cortina Games, the U.S. overcame the final test by rallying to beat Canada and earn its third gold medal with a 2-1 win Thursday night.

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

Knight, appearing in her fifth and final Olympics, forced overtime by tipping in Laila Edwards’ shot with 2:04 left in regulation — and with goalie Aerin Frankel pulled for an extra attacker. The goal was her 15th and 33rd point of her Olympic career, setting U.S. records for both categories.

Keller secured the win by driving to the net and scoring on a backhander 4:07 into overtime to spark an emotional and teary-eyed celebration during an outing fans alternated chants of “USA! and “Ca-na-da!”

With the sides playing 3-on-3, Keller broke up the left wing and pushed past Claire Thompson. The U.S. assistant captain got off a backhander that beat Ann-Renee Desbiens over her right pad.

“I’m lost for words,” Keller said. “This is an incredible feeling. I love these girls so much. This group deserves it. Just the effort and the faith that we kept through this four-year journey is something very special.”

Frankel stopped 30 shots.

Kristin O’Neill scored a short-handed goal for Canada and Desbiens finished with 31 saves.

Canada pushed the U.S. to the brink just nine days after it was beaten 5-0 by the Americans in the preliminary round.

O’Neill’s goal 54 seconds into the second period ended the Americans’ shutout streak of 5 hours, 52 minutes and 17 seconds, dating to the second period of a 5-1 opening win over Czechia. The U.S. had not trailed in the tournament.

“We went through ups and downs,” Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin said. “Just letting them know this does not define them. I’m proud of them. They showed up. Sadly lost in overtime but keep their head high because it’s truly an honor to be on their side.”