Drama in Milan! Quinn Hughes’ OT goal lifts United States past Sweden in Olympic quarterfinals, sending Team USA to the semis. Get the full breakdown of the overtime thriller and what’s next for the Americans in their pursuit of gold.
The pressure of Olympic hockey is unlike anything else in the world of sports. For Team USA, a dominant performance nearly turned into a nightmare in the final minutes of regulation. However, a moment of pure brilliance saved the day as Quinn Hughes’ OT goal lifts United States past Sweden in Olympic quarterfinals, keeping the American dream of gold alive in Milano Cortina 2026.
Game Snapshot: USA vs. Sweden Quarterfinal
| Key Event | Detail |
| Final Score | USA 2, Sweden 1 (Overtime) |
| Winning Goal | Quinn Hughes (3:27 into OT) |
| USA Goal Scorers | Dylan Larkin, Quinn Hughes |
| Sweden Goal Scorer | Mika Zibanejad |
| Goaltender Stats | Connor Hellebuyck (28 Saves) |
| Next Opponent | Slovakia (Semifinals) |
A One-Man Show in Overtime
When the game moved to the three-on-three sudden-death format, the strategy for the United States was refreshingly simple. As forward Matt Boldy put it, the plan was just to “give it to Quinn.” That plan worked flawlessly when Quinn Hughes’ OT goal lifts United States past Sweden in Olympic quarterfinals, as the star defenseman took over the ice.
Hughes entered the attacking zone with a level of confidence that only the world’s elite players possess. He danced through the slot, created a sliver of space for himself, and snapped a shot past Jacob Markstrom. The relief was palpable on the American bench; after a late-game collapse in regulation, seeing that puck hit the back of the net was the ultimate reset button.
The Heartbreak of the Third Period
For most of the afternoon at Santagiulia Arena, it felt like the Americans had the game under control. Dylan Larkin had opened the scoring in the second period, and Connor Hellebuyck looked like a brick wall in net. However, international hockey is never that easy.
With just 1:31 remaining in the third period, Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad hammered home a one-timer to tie the game at 1-1. It was a crushing blow that silenced the American fans and forced the game into the nervous territory of overtime. While many teams would have crumbled after giving up such a late lead, the U.S. showed incredible character. They refused to let the momentum shift define their tournament, leading to the moment where Quinn Hughes’ OT goal lifts United States past Sweden in Olympic quarterfinals.
Quinn Hughes: Breaking Records on the Blue Line
It wasn’t just the game-winning goal that made headlines. Quinn Hughes has been a force of nature throughout these Olympic Games. With his secondary assist on the Larkin goal and his own overtime winner, Hughes has now recorded a point in every single game of the tournament.
In fact, the news that Quinn Hughes’ OT goal lifts United States past Sweden in Olympic quarterfinals also cements his place in history. He has tied the record for the longest assist streak by a defenseman in an Olympics featuring NHL players—a record previously held by the legendary Nicklas Lidstrom. Hughes isn’t just playing defense; he is dictates the pace of the entire game.
The Road to Gold Continues Against Slovakia
The win is historic, but the job is far from over. Because Quinn Hughes’ OT goal lifts United States past Sweden in Olympic quarterfinals, the U.S. now advances to the semifinals as the No. 2 seed. They are set to face a gritty Slovakia team on Friday, a match that will determine if the Americans can play for their first Olympic gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.
Coach and players alike noted that while they are celebrating now, the scare against Sweden was a wake-up call. The Americans have shown they have the talent to win, but the elimination rounds require 60 minutes (or more) of perfect focus.
Conclusion
Hockey is a game of inches and split-second decisions. On Wednesday, those inches belonged to the United States. The headline Quinn Hughes’ OT goal lifts United States past Sweden in Olympic quarterfinals represents more than just a win; it represents the resilience of a young, hungry roster. As they move into the semifinals, the U.S. looks like a team that has found its identity at exactly the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who scored the winning goal for Team USA?
The winning goal was scored by defenseman Quinn Hughes at 3:27 of the overtime period.
2. Who will the United States play in the semifinals?
Team USA is scheduled to face Slovakia on Friday at 3:10 p.m. ET.
3. Did any players get injured during the game?
Sweden’s Victor Hedman unfortunately sustained a lower-body injury during warmups and was unable to play, though he remained on the bench to support his team.
4. How many saves did the goaltenders make?
Connor Hellebuyck made 28 saves for the United States, while Sweden’s Jacob Markstrom was incredible with 38 saves.
5. What record did Quinn Hughes tie in this game?
By recording an assist and the winning goal, Hughes tied the record for the longest assist streak (four games) by a defenseman in an NHL-participation Olympics, matching Nicklas Lidstrom’s 2002 record. It’s no wonder Quinn Hughes’ OT goal lifts United States past Sweden in Olympic quarterfinals is the talk of the tournament.
