usa hockey olympics: Quinn Hughes scores in overtime as U.S. edges Sweden in quarterfinal
Team USA survived a stern test from Sweden in the men's hockey quarterfinals at Milano Santagiulia, advancing to the semifinals after a dramatic overtime winner from Quinn Hughes. The single-elimination clash — one of the landmark best-on-best matchups in the first Olympics to feature NHL players in 12 years — was played Wednesday at 3: 10 p. m. ET.
How the quarterfinal played out
The Americans relied on the same lineup that dominated Group C play, a unit that had earned a bye into the quarterfinals after topping its pool. Connor Hellebuyck started in goal, bringing strong tournament form into the game, with a 1. 00 goals-against average and a. 952 save percentage through his appearances. Hellebuyck steadied the U. S. when Sweden pushed in waves, making several key stops to keep the contest level through regulation.
Sweden arrived having played the night before and dispatched Latvia 5-1 to reach the quarterfinal stage. Their depth and puck movement posed a consistent challenge; the Swedes cycled well and produced high-danger chances from the slot and the point. The matchup showcased speed and skill on both sides, true to expectations for a best-on-best Olympic slate.
Offensively, the Americans leaned on a balanced attack. Jack Hughes tested the Swedish net repeatedly, flashing the playmaking and shooting that have marked his NHL work. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy, back without his full facial shield, skated with his usual poise on the blue line. Brock Nelson participated wearing a protective visor after a prior facial injury and contributed physical play in front of the net.
Overtime proved decisive. Quinn Hughes found the opening and finished the play that sent the U. S. past Sweden, sparking celebration on the bench and in the stands as the Americans punched their ticket to the semifinals. The victory keeps the U. S. on a collision course with the medal rounds and preserves hopes of a deep Olympic run.
Implications and what’s next for the U. S.
The win advances Team USA to the semifinals on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, where a single-game result will again determine whether the roster reaches the gold-medal game. The single-elimination format raises the stakes on every decision; coaches and players have stressed the importance of tight starts and physical intent, particularly against teams built with high-end offensive talent.
Head coach Mike Sullivan emphasized respect for Sweden’s balance and scoring depth while underscoring confidence in his own group’s depth and defensive play. Forward Brock Nelson highlighted the need for a strong start and physical edge against elite puck-moving defenses, and defenseman Noah Hanifin stressed the importance of skating and early pressure to disrupt opponents' transitions. Those themes held true Wednesday, as early positioning and defensive structure helped create the opportunities that produced the winning goal.
With NHL talent back on the Olympic ice, the tournament has featured a raised tempo and a deeper pool of high-skill matchups. For the Americans, the next 48 hours will focus on recovery, tactical prep and sharpening special-teams execution. Hellebuyck’s form will be a key factor moving forward; his save percentage and composure give the U. S. a proven backbone in tight games.
Looking ahead, the semifinal on Friday offers another single-elimination hurdle. The Americans will aim to carry the momentum from this hard-fought overtime victory while tightening defensive details and sustaining the offensive balance that produced chances throughout the tournament.
