Quinn Hughes' overtime winner sends U.S. to semifinals at Mens Hockey Olympics; player praises America

Quinn Hughes scored in overtime to lift the United States past Sweden 2-1 in a quarterfinal at the mens hockey olympics, sending Team USA into the semifinals and keeping its gold-medal hopes alive.

Late drama in Milan

At Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 18, 2026, Sweden tied the game with 91 seconds left in regulation when Mika Zibanejad scored, forcing extra time in the Olympic quarterfinal. Hughes finished the game in overtime with the decisive goal, giving the U. S. a 2-1 victory and a berth in the semifinal round.

How the winning goal unfolded

The Americans started overtime unable to convert on their first five attempts, then on the sixth shot Hughes struck one off the inside of the post that crossed the goal line to end the game. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck finished with 28 saves on 29 shots, including a key stop on a grade-A chance by Lucas Raymond in the second period. Forward Dylan Larkin summed the tension in the arena, saying, "That's as nervous as I've been ever in a hockey game. "

Mens Hockey Olympics: Hughes' postgame patriotism

After the win Hughes said the scene in the arena felt special, noting the sight of American flags and hearing "U-S-A" chants. "I love the U. S., and it's the greatest country in the world. So, I'm happy to represent here with these guys, and it was very special, " he said. Hughes also warned that the semifinal opponent will be tough, calling Slovakia "an extremely hard test" and saying their desperation makes every night feel like Game 7.

Semifinal set for Friday

The U. S. will face Slovakia in one semifinal on Friday; Canada and Finland meet in the other. With the 2-1 quarterfinal win in Milan, Team USA advances to a single-elimination match that will determine which team moves on to play for gold.

The Americans' next confirmed milestone is the semifinal against Slovakia on Friday, where the winner will advance to the medal round.