Mens Hockey: Quinn Hughes' OT goal sends U.S. into Olympic semifinals
MILAN — Mens Hockey fans watched the payoff live: Quinn Hughes ripped a shot off the right post and past Sweden goaltender Jacob Markstrom 3: 27 into overtime to give Team USA a 2-1 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Hughes finished it in overtime
Hughes’ puck came from a pass by Matt Boldy on the left boards; Hughes floated toward center ice and fired the decisive shot 3: 27 into the 3-on-3 overtime period, lifting the U. S. past Sweden, 2-1. The goal sent the blue-jerseyed crowd into pandemonium inside Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, where players swarmed Hughes after the puck crossed the goal line.
Late drama in the third period
The game nearly slipped away from Team USA in the final moments of regulation. Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad tied the game with 91 seconds remaining after Sweden had pulled Jacob Markstrom for the extra attacker, forcing the game into overtime. Hughes said the mood after that tying goal was “just relief” once the overtime winner arrived, and he described his overtime play: “I created some space for myself, took it to my forehand where I wanted it and got a shot off. ”
Once that kid; now that guy
Hughes has spoken about his long-held Olympic dreams — recalling watching the 2010 gold-medal game on television with his brothers — and said before the Games he wanted to represent the kids who cheered for Team USA. He reiterated that sentiment after the quarterfinal, saying he is “playing for all the U. S. kids who are passionate about USA Hockey and want to see us win. ” Hughes played a team-high 27: 31 in the win, a heavy workload that coach and teammates leaned on in the extra session.
Team chemistry showed up in overtime: Boldy, who fed the pass that led to the goal, praised Hughes’ game instinct, saying, “He is an absolute animal, the guy you want to have with the puck and he stepped up big. Give it to Quinn. ” Hughes missed the 4 Nations Face-Off last year because of injury, a detail referenced as part of his comeback arc at these Olympics.
The immediate consequence of Hughes’ goal is straightforward and confirmed: the U. S. advances to the Olympic semifinal, where it will face Slovakia. The quarterfinal win delivered by Hughes’ overtime strike moves Team USA into the next round of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Team USA’s next confirmed event is the semifinal matchup with Slovakia at the Olympic tournament. Coaches and players have said they will turn their attention to preparing for that game following the celebration in Milan.
