usa hockey: Quinn Hughes' OT winner lifts U.S. past Sweden into Olympic semifinals
Quinn Hughes ended a tense quarterfinal with a 3-on-3 overtime strike 3: 27 into the extra period, sending the United States to the semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The win punctuated a goaltending duel and a late Swedish rally that forced dramatic overtime play.
Hughes finishes it in 3-on-3 overtime
The game-winning play came early in the 3-on-3 overtime session when Quinn Hughes created separation and finished with a clean shot to the net, lifting Team USA into the medal-round final four. The goal capped a contest that saw few scoring chances converted but plenty of tension, especially in the closing stages of regulation when Sweden pulled its goalie and Mika Zibanejad found the net with 1: 31 remaining to force overtime.
Prior to the late equalizer, Dylan Larkin had given the Americans a 1-0 lead midway through the second period with a point-blank redirection of a Jack Hughes one-timer. Larkin’s tip came after he won a key draw that put his line in position to strike, and it was a polished finish from a player who had been searching for offensive traction earlier in the tournament.
Goaltending duel, injuries and key moments
Goaltenders dominated much of the storyline. Connor Hellebuyck stood tall for the U. S., turning away a string of dangerous chances from Sweden’s top forward and keeping his team in front until the late tying goal. Across the ice, Jacob Markström produced a 37-save outing that kept Sweden alive deep into the third period, thwarting multiple rushes and breakaways that could have put the Americans up by more.
Sweden entered the game shorthanded on defense when veteran blue-liner Victor Hedman was ruled out after suffering a lower-body injury in warmups. His absence altered matchups and may have contributed to room in front of the net on Larkin’s goal. Still, Sweden’s attack — paced by dangerous chances from the wing — pushed until the final seconds and mounted pressure that eventually produced the extra-attacker goal from Zibanejad.
Key moments included several high-danger saves by Hellebuyck, a breakaway stop on Lucas Raymond in the first period, and a sequence early in the second when a no-look backhand pass almost beat the U. S. netminder. Defensive lapses from both sides created nail-biting finishes, but clutch goaltending through 60 minutes set the stage for overtime theatrics.
What’s next: U. S. eyes Slovakia in the semifinals
With the quarterfinal win secured, the United States advances to face Slovakia in the semifinals on Friday (ET). The American roster, buoyed by contributions from top lines and steady netminding, will turn its attention to that matchup and the quick turnaround required in tournament play.
Coach Mike Sullivan praised his players after the win, noting the team’s resilience and focus: "It was a great hockey game and I could not be more proud of our guys. We beat an excellent hockey team in Sweden. We'll enjoy tonight, and then turn our attention to Slovakia. " Expect adjustments as the U. S. aims to manage ice time and recover key players ahead of the next challenge.
Beyond the immediate implications, this victory highlighted the depth and chemistry among Michigan-area standouts who have skated together in the offseason and in international settings. That familiarity, combined with elite goaltending on a night when chances were at a premium, proved decisive in the tight, high-stakes environment of Olympic elimination hockey.
