Olympic hockey: U.S. men advance to semifinals after gritty comeback; favourites falter

In a day of high drama at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic hockey tournament, the United States men's team staged a late comeback to win their quarterfinal and clinch a spot in the semifinals. The result, combined with surprise upsets elsewhere, has opened the medal race and left several pre-tournament favourites scrambling for answers.

U. S. rallies to reach medal-round, overcoming early deficit

Trailing 2-0 after the first period, the United States rallied behind a relentless second-period push and a standout performance from their goaltender to take control. The comeback featured two power-play goals and a decisive short-handed strike late in the third that broke a 3-3 deadlock. The final buzzer confirmed a hard-fought victory, sending the Americans into the semifinals and ensuring they remain in contention for an Olympic medal.

Coaches praised the squad's resilience and in-game adjustments. Special teams were the difference: the power play converted twice after earlier struggles in the tournament, and the penalty kill held firm in a tense closing stretch. The goaltender’s timely saves in the third period prevented the opponent from regaining momentum and were widely viewed as the turning point of the match.

Upsets reshape the bracket; pre-tournament favourites under pressure

Elsewhere, several higher-ranked squads failed to find consistency, producing shock exits and altering semifinal matchups. One traditionally dominant team that entered the Games as a favourite suffered an upset in a game defined by its own scoring drought and an opponent’s opportunistic rushes. That loss has raised questions about roster balance and in-game discipline among the top contenders.

The evolving bracket now features a mix of established powers and surprise performers, setting up unpredictable semifinal showdowns. Analysts note that Olympic hockey’s condensed schedule and the physical toll of back-to-back games can amplify variance, creating openings for disciplined, defensively sound teams to upset more star-studded rosters.

Looking ahead: tactical shifts and what's at stake

With medals on the line, coaches must balance fatigue management with tactical tweaks. Expect an emphasis on special teams, neutral-zone structure, and goaltending matchups in the semifinal preparations. The United States will focus on maintaining momentum and shoring up defensive zone coverages, while their next opponent will seek to exploit any gaps exposed in transition play.

For players, the Olympic stage represents both national pride and a brief but intense window to etch their names into hockey history. The tournament’s later rounds often reward teams that can close out tight games, win key faceoffs, and limit turnovers. As the semifinals approach, small adjustments—line changes, matchups against particular forwards, and power-play formations—are likely to decide who advances to the gold-medal game.

Fans can anticipate high-tempo, emotionally charged contests over the coming days as the medal chase intensifies and the Olympic hockey landscape continues to shift.