usa hockey olympics: U.S. men advance to semifinals after gritty comeback win

BOLZANO, Italy — The United States men’s hockey team rallied from a one-goal deficit to defeat Finland 4-3 in a dramatic quarterfinal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, punching its ticket to the semifinals and keeping gold-medal hopes alive. The victory, sealed late in the third period, showcased depth scoring and a goaltender performance that steadied the team when it mattered most.

Late push turns the tide

Trailing 3-2 early in the third period, the U. S. responded with an even-strength goal from a veteran forward who redirected a slap pass in front of the net to tie the game. Momentum swung fully in the Americans’ favor when a power-play opportunity granted by an interference call produced the go-ahead score — a blistering one-timer from the point that beat the Finnish netminder high glove-side.

Finland pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but the U. S. goalie made a string of key saves, including a sprawling stop on a partial breakaway and a reflex glove save off a rebound chance. With less than 90 seconds remaining, an empty-net goal sealed the 4-3 win, sending the American bench into a controlled celebration.

Coaching adjustments and depth pay off

Coaching changes at the second intermission were evident: the U. S. shortened its bench, relied on its top defensive pair to log heavy minutes, and gave the goaltender extended looks in high-traffic situations. The strategic shift limited Finland’s transition chances and allowed the U. S. to dictate pace on the forecheck.

Contributions came from across the lineup. Secondary scoring — a theme for this roster during the tournament — proved decisive. A young forward, who’d stepped into the top-six after an injury earlier in the week, provided the assist on the tying goal and was credited with the plus-2 on the night. Veterans chipped in with leadership on the ice and in the locker room, calming rushes and steering key plays out of trouble.

Special teams made the difference late. The U. S. power play, which had been uneven in earlier games, converted at a crucial moment and showed crisp puck movement and a willing shooter from the point. The penalty kill also rose to the occasion, shutting down a Finland advantage midway through the third that could have changed the complexion of the game.

What’s next for Team USA

With this win, the U. S. advances to the Olympic semifinals and will face the winner of the evening matchup between Sweden and Switzerland. That game is scheduled for two days from now and will tip off in the evening local time; expect puck drop times to be announced by the team in the next 24 hours in Eastern Time (ET).

Physically, the roster escaped the game largely intact: no major injuries were reported postgame, though the coaching staff confirmed a review period for a defenseman who blocked a shot late in regulation and was assessed for bruising. Conditioning and lineup choices will be under scrutiny, with the team balancing rest for top-minute players against the need to maintain competitive matchups against a favored opponent.

For a U. S. program long chasing Olympic gold, the victory rekindles belief and underscores a tournament identity built on resilience, balanced scoring, and timely goaltending. The semifinal will offer a litmus test: whether the Americans can sustain depth production against an elite opponent and generate offense without overreliance on a single line.

Locker-room mood was measured but optimistic after the win. Players emphasized focus on the next matchup and the narrow margins that define Olympic knockout hockey. “We’ve got a real shot, ” one forward said. “We just need to stick to our game plan, play the same way and clean up a few habits. The room’s ready. ”

The U. S. men will practice once more before their semifinal, with line combos and defensive matchups expected to see minor tweaks. Fans back home will be watching closely as Team USA chases its first men’s Olympic hockey gold in decades.