U.S. defeats Canada in OT to win 4th straight women's worlds

.@Hilary_Knight, for the 2017 Women's World Championship Gold!!! #2017WWC @usahockey pic.twitter.com/ZQ43G2Iloz

- NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) April 8, 2017

From almost boycotting the worlds to being crowned champions. Again.

Hilary Knight scored in overtime as the United States beat Canada 3-2 to win its fourth straight Women's World Hockey Championship and first on home soil.

A wage dispute almost kept the national team out of the tournament in Michigan, but an agreement reached days before the tourney opener made sure the three-time defending champs would take part.

The U.S. made it four golds in a row Friday, with each victory coming against their Canadian rivals. Check out the gold-medal game results since 2011:

The Canadians are the defending Olympic champions, winning gold in Sochi in 2014, but it's clear the U.S. boasts the best women's ice hockey team in the world.

It was a close game, as expected. The Canadians took a 1-0 lead, ended up trailing 2-1 in the third, but forced overtime.

The extra session was all USA, as Canada was pinned in its own zone for lengthy periods, needing a goal-line scramble to keep the puck out of the net before Knight's winner:

#2017WWC pic.twitter.com/2vrrBqDNni

- NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) April 8, 2017

The Americans would not be denied, though, with Knight going bar down to bring home the gold. She was a force, finishing with the winner and one remarkable assist.

Shannon Szabados was exceptional in goal for the Canadians. She made 37 saves.

Next year's Olympics are going to be fun. And all eyes will be on the women's ice hockey tourney, with NHL players not heading to Pyeongchang, South Korea.

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