While most of the country was sleeping Thursday morning, Team USA was sending a resounding message that will undoubtedly be the news story of the day. They defeated Canada 3-2 after shootouts to take home the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Gold Medal for women's hockey.

The U.S. was trailing the favorites (and winners of the last four gold medals) 2-1 late into the third period and it looked like their gold medal drought would continue. But with 6:21 left, U.S. forward Monique Lamoureux-Morando tied the game on a breakaway goal that would lead to overtime.

After a scoreless overtime period, the first penalty shootout ended in a 2-2 tie. It wasn't until the second shootout, of the sudden death variety, the separation was finally created. American Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson faked out the Canadian goalie with a crafty move, then slipped the puck into the net. The ensuing Canadian penalty shot attempt was hauled in by U.S. goalie Maddie Rooney, securing the first American hockey goal medal since 1998.

Fans react to Team USA victory

Americans across the U.S. are waking up to the exciting news on Thursday and they're already proclaiming their patriotic pride in a variety of ways.

One Twitter user made a reference to the nation's birth, saying he's watched the game-winning goal by Lamoureux-Davidson "1776 times already."

Meanwhile, another user highlighted how quick-witted internet users have become, screen-shotting a picture of the most updated Wikipedia page of Rooney after she ended the game with her save.

American figure skater Alexa Scimeca-Knierim was in the building for the action and tweeted this memorable reaction:

For others, the comeback win immediately drew comparisons to another American hockey gold medal.

The 'Miracle on Ice' happened in 1980, a historic upset for the U.S. Men's Hockey Team as they defeated the overwhelming favorites Russia.

One Instagram user commented, "#MiracleonIce Part Two exactly 38 years later."

A Facebook user shared the 'Miracle on Ice' sentiments while putting the recent struggle from the women in proper context:

History of Team USA vs. Canada

Team USA Women's Hockey hasn't played their best against Canada and has lost to them several times in the championship match over the last two decades.

Most recently, The Americans lost the gold in heart-wrenching fashion during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, after surrendering a lead.

Fast forward four years, and it's now the Americans who have bragging rights, coming back in dramatic fashion to dethrone the Canadians.