Mens Hockey: Quinn Hughes' OT goal sends U.S. to Olympic semis
In mens hockey at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Quinn Hughes ripped a shot off the right post and in 3: 27 into overtime to give Team USA a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Sweden, advancing the Americans to a semifinal against Slovakia.
Mens Hockey: Hughes rips winner off the post
The decisive moment came in sudden death overtime at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena when Hughes collected a pass from Matt Boldy on the left boards, floated toward the center and fired a shot that beat Sweden goaltender Jacob Markstrom after hitting the right post. Pandemonium followed as a sea of blue jerseys swarmed Hughes on the ice.
How the play unfolded
Boldy’s pass set up a quick sequence: Hughes created space, took the puck to his forehand and got a shot off that found the net 3: 27 into the extra period. Hughes played a team-high 27: 31 in the game. Boldy summarized the strategy plainly: “He is an absolute animal, the guy you want to have with the puck and he stepped up big. Give it to Quinn. Usually that is the gameplan when he is out there. He so talented. Not only to create shots but to create lanes and chances. The biggest thing is he wants the puck. He wants to have it and make a difference. ”
A late Sweden equalizer forced extra time
The win followed a dramatic finish to regulation. Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad pulled the game even with 91 seconds remaining after Sweden had pulled Markstrom for an extra attacker. “That sucks, obviously, ” Hughes said of conceding the late goal. He added that the U. S. group is resilient and that they regrouped with an attack mindset for overtime: “I have been enjoying wearing the crest and playing with the superstars that we have on our team... I just wanted to extend it as long as I can. ”
Semifinal next against Slovakia
The 2-1 quarterfinal victory sends Team USA into the Olympic men’s hockey semifinals, where they will face Slovakia. The win resumed a storyline for Hughes — who once watched U. S. Olympic teams as a youth — and delivered the kind of moment youth hockey players and American fans will remember from Milano Santagiulia.
Team USA’s next confirmed opponent is Slovakia in the Olympic semifinal at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan.
