olympic hockey: Celebrini's post-game lift sends Canada into semifinals
Team Canada survived a late scare and rallied for a 4-3 overtime victory over Team Czechia to advance to the Olympic semifinals. Macklin Celebrini, who was the focus of post-game attention, joined a chorus of teammates and opponents reflecting on tight quarterfinals that produced two dramatic upsets and a pair of goaltending standouts. Meanwhile Team USA edged Sweden in its own overtime thriller, leaving the final four set and momentum building for the medal rounds.
Celebrini, Canada find composure in late push
Canada's narrow win over Czechia was decided in sudden death after both teams exchanged leads and momentum through three periods. Celebrini, one of the tournament's younger standouts, stepped into the post-game spotlight to discuss the squad’s resilience and how the team responded to pressure moments. Veteran contributors such as a top-line playmaker and the goaltender also addressed the team's ability to stay composed in a knockout environment.
Multiple Canadian players emphasized depth and structure as keys to surviving a high-intensity, error-intolerant game. The goaltender’s late saves and calm under duress drew particular attention; teammates credited that steadiness as a decisive factor that allowed offensive players to chase the extra goal in overtime. Skating and quick puck movement were repeatedly cited as the tactical responses that unlocked the deadlock in the extra frame.
Quinn Hughes, Hellebuyck and the U. S. response
On the other side of the bracket, Team USA advanced past Sweden after a 2-1 overtime win that hinged on both a timely scoring play and clutch goaltending. Quinn Hughes was lauded for the decisive play that delivered the victory, while the netminder underscored how the team tightened defensively when the stakes rose. Defensemen and veteran forwards praised the squad’s ability to handle sudden-death pressure, pointing to disciplined zone coverage and quick transitions as the backbone of the outcome.
Players highlighted special teams adjustments and in-game communication as small changes that yielded big dividends late in the quarterfinals. Several American skaters reflected on balancing urgency with patience—trusting the system while remaining ready to seize a single opening. That blend of preparation and opportunism proved the difference in overtime.
Looking ahead: semifinal storylines and what to watch
With the semifinals set, attention now turns to matchup dynamics: Canada’s youthful firepower and depth versus an opponent that will seek to slow the tempo, and the U. S. reliance on structure and elite goaltending against a team that specializes in quick transitions. Coaching staffs will tinker with line deployments to exploit matchup advantages and manage ice time for top players who logged heavy minutes in knockout action.
Key elements to monitor include special teams execution, goaltender recovery between games, and how quickly teams can neutralize dangerous transition plays. Individual players who delivered in the quarterfinals—young scorers, shutdown defenders and hot goalies—will carry added focus into the semis. Expect tighter defensive blueprints, intensified forechecking strategies, and coaches leaning on veteran leaders to steady rosters in the medal push.
As the tournament moves into its final phases, the blend of experience and youthful daring that surfaced in these quarterfinals will shape who advances to the podium games. Post-game reflections from Celebrini, his teammates, and opponents underscored one shared belief: in single-elimination Olympic hockey, momentum and composure can matter more than reputation.
