MILAN — Quinn Hughes scored a dramatic overtime winner to lift Team USA past Sweden 2-1 in the men’s quarterfinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, sending the Americans into the semifinals with their gold medal hopes intact.
Hughes’ decisive wrist shot came with 6:33 remaining in sudden death at Milano’s Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Positioned at the top of the left faceoff circle, the U.S. defenseman created space for himself before firing a rising shot that beat Swedish goaltender Jacob Markstrom glove side.
“It’s just a relief,” Hughes said afterward. “We’re enjoying every moment together and trying to keep this run going as long as we can.”
U.S. Remains Unbeaten in Tournament
The victory keeps the United States perfect at 4-0 in the tournament and sets up a semifinal showdown with Slovakia on Friday. A win would secure Team USA its first Olympic medal in men’s hockey since 2010.
The quarterfinal clash marked the Americans’ toughest challenge so far. Sweden, like the U.S. and Canada, fielded a roster made entirely of NHL players, making for a high-intensity, evenly matched contest.
Tight Battle From Start to Finish
Both teams were locked in a defensive struggle early, with Sweden’s Markström and U.S. netminder Connor Hellebuyck turning away quality scoring chances in a scoreless first period.
The Americans broke through late in the second. Jack Hughes sent a shot toward the net from inside the blue line, and Dylan Larkin redirected the puck midair for a 1-0 lead with under nine minutes left in the period.
Sweden responded in dramatic fashion. After pulling Markström for an extra attacker in the final minute of regulation, Lucas Raymond fed a cross-ice pass to Mika Zibanejad, who buried a one-timer to tie the game and force overtime.
Eyes on Gold
Despite the late equalizer, the Americans remained composed in extra time. Hughes’ winner kept alive the possibility of a marquee Olympic final — potentially against rival Canada, which also advanced after an overtime victory.
Larkin cautioned that the road ahead remains challenging.
“It’s do or die,” he said. “Slovakia is playing well. They’re dangerous and physical. We have to be ready from the start. If it goes to overtime again, we trust the guys we have to finish the job.”
With momentum on their side and confidence growing, Team USA now stands one win away from guaranteeing a place on the Olympic podium.
