Overtime Heroics: quinn hughes Sends Team USA to Olympic Semifinals
Quinn Hughes delivered a sudden-death winner that kept the United States on course for Olympic hockey gold, ripping a shot off the inside of the post and in to beat Sweden 2-1 in a dramatic quarterfinal on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 (ET). The victory moves Team USA into a semifinal showdown with Slovakia on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 (ET).
How the game unraveled
The contest in Milan was a grind from puck drop. Both goaltenders held firm through long stretches—only late in the second period did the scoreboard finally change. Jack Hughes unleashed a wrist shot that was deflected by Dylan Larkin and squeezed past Sweden’s netminder to give the Americans a 1-0 lead. That margin stood until late in the third.
Sweden pushed hard in the final frame. A near-miss by Adrian Kempe rattled off the post with roughly two and a half minutes remaining. The Swedish coaching staff pulled the goalie with about 100 seconds left for an extra attacker; the gamble paid off when Mika Zibanejad ripped a one-timer from Lucas Raymond that slipped through and tied the game with under two minutes remaining, forcing sudden-death overtime.
Hughes delivers in overtime
Overtime opened tentatively, with the U. S. unable to buy a clean look on its first several attempts. On the sixth shot of the extra period, Quinn Hughes skewered a powerful effort that struck the inside of the post and crossed the goal line, ending the contest and sending the American contingent into celebration.
Hughes, a 26-year-old defenseman, later smiled and admitted the moment brought relief. He also spoke about enjoying the tournament atmosphere and the chance to extend the team's run. Teammates praised the composure of the roster, noting veteran leadership and quick mental recovery after Sweden’s late equalizer.
What’s next for Team USA
The win sets up a semifinal against Slovakia, a team that advanced after topping a group that included heavyweights and then producing a convincing win in the knockout phase. The Americans enter that matchup with more momentum than they carried through group play, but coaches and players alike have warned that Slovakia will be a dangerous opponent—fast, competitive and battle-tested.
Goaltending was a focal point of this game. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 28 shots before the sudden late goal that forced overtime; the game required timely saves and a quick reset from the U. S. netminder. The defensive pairing, anchored by Hughes on the back end, proved capable of shutting down several high-danger chances until the Swedish equalizer.
Semifinal times for Friday have not yet been announced, but the schedule will be set in Eastern Time. The winners of Friday’s semifinals will meet for gold on Sunday, the 46th anniversary of the historic U. S. Olympic victory often recalled as the Miracle on Ice.
After a quarterfinal that tested their depth and temperament, Team USA advances with a narrow escape and renewed belief. The roster’s blend of NHL talent and veteran poise will now prepare for what many expect to be a tight, physical semifinal against an underdog Slovak side determined to keep upsetting the tournament order.
