canada hockey: Canada and USA narrowly avoid shocks in Olympic quarter-finals
Two of the tournament favourites barely escaped elimination on Wednesday as both the United States and Canada needed overtime heroics to advance to Friday’s semifinals (ET). The U. S. edged Sweden 2-1 on an overtime goal from Quinn Hughes, while Canada rallied past the Czech Republic 4-3 after Mitch Marner finished off a frantic contest in extra time. Canada also suffered a worrying injury to captain Sidney Crosby.
Quinn Hughes lifts U. S. after late drama
The U. S. advanced to the last four thanks to a decisive overtime strike from Quinn Hughes, who redeemed himself after conceding a late equaliser. Dylan Larkin opened the scoring when he redirected Jack Hughes’ shot for the lone regulation goal, but Sweden clawed back through Mika Zibanejad with 1: 31 remaining in the third to force extra time.
Hughes delivered the final blow in sudden death, his shot finding the net to seal a narrow 2-1 victory. When asked about his emotions after the win, Hughes summed it up simply: "Just relief. " The Americans move on to face Slovakia in one semi-final on Friday night ET.
Canada stumbles, then rallies; Crosby exits with leg injury
Canada’s path through the quarter-finals was even more fraught. The game swung back and forth, with the Czechs taking the lead twice before Nick Suzuki’s late deflection tied the score with 3: 27 left in regulation. Jonathan quick strikes from Macklin Celebrini and Nathan MacKinnon also featured in the scoring, but it was Suzuki’s persistence and poise that dragged Canada back into the mix.
The winner came 1: 22 into the 3-on-3 overtime when Mitch Marner backhanded home the decisive goal, prompting coach Jon Cooper to praise his winger: "It’s the it-factor, man: Mitch Marner’s got it. He doesn’t disappoint. " Defenseman Drew Doughty admitted the finish was nerve-racking, saying he "never had a doubt, but it was getting a little nerve-racking. " Jordan Binnington made a huge stop late in regulation by denying David Pastrnak on a breakaway with 70 seconds left, a save that proved pivotal.
However, the win came with a major concern. Sidney Crosby left the game five minutes into the second period after his right leg appeared to buckle as he braced for a hit from Czech defenseman Radko Gudas and was then driven into the boards. He did not return. Team officials are expected to provide an update on Crosby on Thursday ET. Coach Cooper described the team’s mindset about depth and readiness: "Everybody had complete faith in whoever was going over the boards. "
Implications and what to watch in the semis
Both victories preserve the favourites’ runs but also raise questions. The U. S. showed resilience but needed a late escape; Canada displayed character to rally twice and survive in overtime while losing its captain to injury. Goaltending remains under the microscope—Binnington’s performance included key saves that kept Canada alive despite questions about his recent form.
On Friday (ET), Canada will meet Finland in the earlier semi-final, followed by the U. S. facing Slovakia in the nightcap. Expect both teams to make lineup adjustments, with particular attention on Canada’s medical update for Crosby and any defensive tweaks to limit heavy hits. Special teams and late-game composure will be decisive in the medal rounds after two quarter-finals that showed neither North American powerhouse can be taken for granted.
