Quinn Hughes' Overtime Goal Sends U.S. Into Semis as Mens Usa Hockey Advances With 2-1 Win Over Sweden

The puck that ended Sweden's run left Quinn Hughes' stick in overtime and sent mens usa hockey into the semifinal round, a victory that keeps the Americans on track for their first Olympic medal since 2010. The 2-1 win over Sweden came after a tightly contested game that required extra time to decide.

What happened and what’s new

Quinn Hughes scored the decisive goal with 6: 33 remaining in extra time, firing a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle that cleared the opposing goaltender's glove and put the Americans ahead 2-1. The play began when Hughes had the puck atop the left faceoff circle, moved toward the net to create space and finished on his forehand.

The game was scoreless after the first period, with both goaltenders making significant saves. The U. S. opened the scoring in the second period when Jack Hughes sent a shot on goal that was deflected in midair by Dylan Larkin, giving the Americans a 1-0 lead with 8: 57 left in the period.

Sweden pulled its goalie in the final minute to press for an equalizer. With the net empty, Lucas Raymond moved the puck cross-ice to Mika Zibanejad, who one-timed it into the net and sent the contest to overtime. Quinn Hughes' overtime finish ultimately kept the U. S. unbeaten in the tournament at 4-0 and advanced Team USA to a semifinal matchup against Slovakia on Friday.

Mens Usa Hockey: Behind the headline

The victory over a Sweden team that, like the U. S. and Canada, fielded a roster made entirely of NHL players is the Americans' toughest test so far in this tournament. The win is being framed inside the team as a confidence boost heading into the knockout rounds: a semifinal victory on Friday would secure a medal for the first time since the 2010 Winter Games, while a loss would relegate the U. S. to a bronze-medal contest.

Key stakeholders in this stage of the tournament are the players and coaching staff focused on preparation and recovery, the upcoming opponent in Slovakia, and rival national teams that remain in medal contention. The possibility of meeting Canada in the final remains open if both teams win their respective semifinal games.

What we still don’t know

• The final outcome of the U. S. semifinal against Slovakia on Friday.
• Whether the United States will face Canada in the gold-medal game; that depends on results elsewhere.
• Specific adjustments or lineup changes the U. S. will make between the quarterfinal and semifinal.
• The health and recovery status of any players heading into the next game beyond general postgame comments.

What happens next

• Win the semifinal: A U. S. victory on Friday guarantees a medal and sets up a gold-medal game the following day; trigger — a U. S. win over Slovakia.
• Lose the semifinal: A loss would send the Americans to the bronze-medal contest; trigger — a U. S. defeat on Friday.
• Both semifinal favorites win: If the U. S. and Canada both prevail in their semifinals, a U. S. -Canada gold-medal matchup becomes possible; trigger — victories by both teams in their semifinal games.
• Overtime scenario: If the semifinal extends beyond regulation, the U. S. has recent overtime experience and a game-winner in Hughes to draw on; trigger — an overtime decision in the semifinal.

Why it matters

The immediate practical impact is straightforward: a semifinal win secures a medal, ending a medal drought that dates to 2010. Beyond results, the overtime victory against a full-NHL Swedish roster reinforces belief inside the team that they can handle high-pressure elimination games. For players, advancing deep into the tournament enhances personal and national profiles; for fans, it sustains interest and raises stakes for rival matchups, including a potential meeting with Canada. In the near term, mens usa hockey moves from unbeaten group play into single-elimination rounds where margin for error is slim and every decision carries outsized consequences.

Players expressed relief and focus after the win. Quinn Hughes said it was “just a relief, ” adding that he was enjoying being with the group and trying to extend their run. Dylan Larkin described the victory as “great” while noting the team must be prepared for Slovakia, which he called dangerous and possessing some big players.

The tournament now turns to the semifinal phase, where the U. S. will aim to convert momentum into a medal-clinching performance.