The U.S. men’s hockey team delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the Winter Games, as Quinn Hughes blasted home a sudden-death winner to lift Team USA past Sweden, 2-1, in overtime in Milan.
The victory sends the Americans into a high-stakes Olympic semifinal against Slovakia — and keeps their gold medal dreams alive in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive hockey tournaments in recent Olympic history.
Quinn Hughes Plays Hero in Overtime
With 6:33 remaining in 3-on-3 overtime, Hughes wound up from the blue line and ripped a slapshot past Swedish goaltender Jacob Markström.
The puck rocketed into the net, sealing a sudden-death win and igniting celebrations across the American bench.
In Olympic knockout play, there are no second chances — and Hughes delivered in the moment that mattered most.
How the Game Unfolded
USA Strikes First
The Americans opened scoring in the second period when Dylan Larkin found the net to give Team USA a 1-0 lead. The U.S. generated sustained offensive pressure throughout the night, ultimately finishing with 40 shots on goal.
Hellebuyck Stands Tall
For nearly 59 minutes, Connor Hellebuyck was nearly flawless. The American netminder stopped 29 of 30 shots, frustrating Sweden’s attack and keeping the U.S. in control.
Sweden’s Late Equalizer
With just 1:31 left in regulation and Markström pulled for an extra attacker, Mika Zibanejad hammered a 6-on-5 one-timer past Hellebuyck to tie the game at 1-1.
The late goal stunned Team USA and forced overtime — a 3-on-3 sudden-death format that emphasizes speed, puck control, and defensive awareness.
Overtime Dominance
Once the extra session began, the Americans controlled possession and tempo. Their patience paid off when Hughes capitalized on open ice and delivered the game-winner 3:27 into overtime.
By the Numbers
- USA shots on goal: 40
- Sweden shots on goal: 30
- Hellebuyck saves: 29
- Markström saves: 38
The shot differential underscored Team USA’s offensive pressure and territorial advantage.
Semifinal Set: USA vs. Slovakia
With the win, Team USA advances to face Slovakia in Friday’s semifinal.
Slovakia earned its spot by cruising past Germany, 6-2, showing offensive firepower and efficiency. The Americans, meanwhile, proved they can win tight, pressure-packed games.
The winner will move on to compete for Olympic gold.
The Other Semifinal: Canada vs. Finland
On the opposite side of the bracket:
- Canada men’s national ice hockey team defeated Czechia, 4-3 (OT)
- Finland men’s national ice hockey team edged Switzerland, 3-2 (OT)
Three of the four quarterfinal games went to overtime — a testament to the razor-thin margins separating the world’s elite hockey nations.
Why This Win Matters for Team USA
This wasn’t just another quarterfinal win. It demonstrated:
1️⃣ Composure Under Pressure
Giving up a tying goal in the final minutes can deflate a team. Instead, the Americans regrouped and dominated overtime.
2️⃣ Goaltending Stability
Hellebuyck continues to prove why he’s one of the world’s top netminders.
3️⃣ Blue-Line Leadership
Hughes’ ability to step up in clutch moments highlights the depth and skill on the U.S. defensive corps.
Olympic Hockey 2026: A Tournament of Overtime Drama
The Milan quarterfinal round will be remembered for its intensity:
- USA 2, Sweden 1 (OT)
- Canada 4, Czechia 3 (OT)
- Finland 3, Switzerland 2 (OT)
- Slovakia 6, Germany 2
Overtime has defined this Olympic bracket — and it may very well shape who takes home gold.
What to Watch in the USA vs. Slovakia Semifinal
- Can Team USA maintain offensive pressure against a high-scoring Slovak squad?
- Will Hellebuyck continue his elite form?
- Can Hughes build on his game-winning momentum?
The semifinal promises speed, physicality, and elite goaltending — exactly what Olympic hockey fans crave.
Final Take
Team USA’s overtime victory over Sweden was more than a dramatic highlight — it was a statement. In a tournament where nearly every game is decided by inches and seconds, the Americans showed resilience, depth, and championship poise.
With a semifinal against Slovakia looming, the path to gold remains challenging — but after Wednesday’s thriller, one thing is clear:
Team USA believes this is their moment.
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