USA Advances to Semifinals After Dramatic Overtime Win
The United States outlasted Sweden 2-1 in overtime in the men’s hockey quarterfinal at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday, advancing to the semifinals while dashing Sweden’s medal hopes with a dramatic finish in Milan.
Quinn Hughes scored the game-winning goal in the three-on-three overtime period to secure the victory and set up a semifinal matchup on February 20. The win came after a tightly contested regulation battle that saw Sweden mount a furious late-game comeback.
Zibanejad Nearly Stuns USA
New York Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad nearly authored an Olympic upset, scoring with just over a minute and a half remaining in regulation to tie the game 1-1 and force overtime. The Swedish alternate captain’s clutch goal showcased the same scoring touch that has defined his resurgence both in the NHL and on the international stage.
Zibanejad, who has been one of Sweden’s most productive players at the Games, entered the quarterfinal having recorded five points in four games during the group stage. His goal kept Sweden alive when the team appeared headed for elimination.
USA’s Path Through Group Play
Team USA finished group play as the No. 2 seed under coach Mike Sullivan and appeared dominant in their opening matches before the quarterfinal test. The American roster, featuring contributions from Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, and Jack Eichel among others, needed contributions from their depth pieces to overcome a resilient Swedish squad.
Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller saw limited ice time throughout the tournament but were part of the depth that helped secure the victory when it mattered most.
Sweden’s Olympics Ends in Heartbreak
Despite stellar performances from William Nylander, Gabriel Landeskog, and Filip Forsberg throughout the tournament, Sweden could not complete their upset bid against the heavily favored Americans. The team’s dominant 5-1 victory over Latvia in their previous game had set expectations high for a potential medal run.
Mika Zibanejad and his teammates will depart Milan without a medal after what had appeared to be a promising tournament campaign.
