US Men’s Hockey Advances to Olympic Semifinals in Overtime Thriller

MILAN — Quinn Hughes’ overtime goal propelled the United States men’s hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Sweden in the Olympic quarterfinals Wednesday, securing a semifinal berth and a guaranteed chance at a medal – the program’s first since 2010. The dramatic win came after a late regulation goal by Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad forced the extra period, threatening to derail the Americans’ tournament hopes.

The game, played at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, was a tense affair marked by strong goaltending from both sides. U.S. Netminder Connor Hellebuyck, last year’s NHL MVP, stopped 28 of 29 shots, keeping the Americans in contention despite a tightly contested match. Sweden’s Jacob Markstrom was equally impressive, turning aside numerous American opportunities.

Dylan Larkin opened the scoring for the U.S. In the second period, redirecting a shot from Jack Hughes – his brother and teammate – past Markstrom. However, the Americans were unable to extend their lead, leaving the door open for a Swedish comeback. With just 91 seconds remaining in regulation, Zibanejad capitalized on a faceoff opportunity, firing a one-timer that beat Hellebuyck and tied the game, sending the contest to overtime. KPBS reported on the late-game drama.

The overtime period was a whirlwind of 3-on-3 action, culminating in Hughes’ game-winning goal 3:27 into the extra frame. “We got guys that have won [Stanley] Cups and gone deep in the playoffs and superstars in the league, so I feel like it’s a resilient group and a lot of experience. You just pick yourself back up, get ready to head,” Hughes said after the game.

The victory carries added weight for several New York Rangers players involved. Mika Zibanejad’s goal for Sweden wasn’t enough to overcome his Rangers teammates, Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller, who were competing for Team USA. The Yahoo Sports reported on the Rangers’ presence in the quarterfinal matchup.

The U.S. Will now face Slovakia in the semifinals on Friday, with a win guaranteeing a spot in the gold medal game on Sunday. A loss would relegate them to the bronze medal match on Saturday. “It’s going to be a huge, huge test for us,” said U.S. Forward Matthew Tkachuk. “Their goalie’s playing incredible. Our goalie is playing incredible. It’s going to make for a hell of a semifinal.”

In the other quarterfinal game Wednesday, Canada narrowly avoided an upset against Czechia, winning in overtime after Czechia had led late in the third period. Canada’s captain, Sidney Crosby, left the game in the second period with a lower leg injury, leaving his status for future games uncertain. The New York Times detailed the context of the game, noting the high stakes for the Rangers players involved.