olympic hockey: Celebrini's OT heroics send Canada to semifinals as U.S. survives in extra time
Overtime drama defined the knockout rounds, with Team Canada advancing after a 4-3 overtime victory over Team Czechia and Team USA edging Sweden 2-1 in extra time. Postgame media sessions offered insight into momentum, goaltending and what each squad will carry into the semifinal stage.
Celebrini delivers big moment as Canada grinds past Czechia
Team Canada found a late answer in Macklin Celebrini, who produced the decisive goal in overtime to cap a 4-3 win over Team Czechia. The match was a back-and-forth affair that hinged on timely scoring and resilient defensive efforts. Celebrini’s postgame availability highlighted his composure in high-pressure moments and his sense of responsibility as a rising leader for Canada’s forward corps.
Canada’s depth forwards and established stars combined to create sustained pressure through the third period, forcing turnovers and generating high-danger chances that ultimately paid off. Netminders on both sides were tested repeatedly, and Canada’s ability to sustain an attack in overtime proved decisive. Teammates credited the collective effort — from the defensive zone recoveries to the shift-by-shift work on the forecheck — as the foundation for the win.
U. S. survives thriller; Hughes, Hellebuyck and a defense-first blueprint
Team USA remained intact for the medal rounds after Quinn Hughes scored the overtime winner in a 2-1 victory over Sweden. The contest underscored defensive discipline, with both teams relying on structure and goaltending to keep it tight through regulation. Hughes’ finish came after a sustained period of pressure and quick puck movement that opened a narrow seam for the decisive play.
Goaltender play was a storyline across the day. The U. S. starter discussed the tactical preparation and mental approach required for knockout hockey, emphasizing focus and short-term memory between saves. Other American players, including key defensemen, spoke about the full-team buy-in on defense-first hockey that allowed the offense to capitalize when the moment arrived. The win provided a timely boost in confidence as the tournament shifts into single-elimination intensity.
Wider tournament takeaways: defense, goaltending and looming semifinal tests
Quarterfinal action produced several talking points beyond the headline results. A number of postgame interviews highlighted strong netminding performances and the importance of timely special teams plays. Established stars and emerging contributors alike have made their presence felt: veterans offered steadying voices after tight wins, while younger players delivered decisive moments under pressure.
Other quarterfinal matches included standout team wins that shifted the balance of contenders. A dominant performance by a Scandinavian squad produced a 5-1 statement victory in an earlier matchup, while individual leaders from various countries met the media after crucial wins. Coaches and players repeatedly pointed to execution in the defensive zone and discipline in transition as critical factors for advancing.
With the semifinals looming, attention will turn to matchup preparation, recovery and how teams manage roster minutes in a condensed schedule. Expect goaltending to remain central: a hot netminder can tilt any single-elimination game, and teams that simplify their game plan and rely on structural defense have shown the best results so far. The postgame comments from key performers suggest that momentum, mental toughness and depth will separate medal contenders from the rest.
As the tournament progresses, the upcoming semifinal matchups will test both the depth and adaptability of remaining teams. Fans and analysts will be watching how coaches deploy their top lines and whether younger players can sustain the same level of production when the stakes rise even higher.
