The 2026 Winter Olympics quarterfinal brought a close game for the USA and Sweden. It tested both teams until the final moment, and the USA stayed patient against Sweden’s hard push in the third period.
The game went into overtime with the outcome still in doubt. Then one clean play decided everything.
Quinn Hughes Lifts Team USA Past Sweden with OT Goal in Olympic Quarterfinal
Team USA defeated Sweden 2-1 in overtime on Wednesday to advance to the Olympic semifinals. Defenseman Quinn Hughes scored the game-winning goal at 3:27 of overtime. He carried the puck into the zone, created space, and finished the play with a quick shot.
After the win, Hughes spoke about the moment and his time with the team. “Just a relief. I’m just really enjoying being here with this group and the guys. I’m trying to extend it as long as I can,” he said.
Team USA had taken the lead earlier in the game through Dylan Larkin. He scored in the second period after a play that started from the blue line. Hughes earned a secondary assist on that goal, adding to his points total in the tournament. He has recorded at least one assist in each game so far.
ESPN Insights also noted that Hughes has recorded an assist in all four games, the longest streak by an American player at the Olympics with NHL participation. And his first Olympic goal came at a crucial moment, being the overtime winner.
They also noted that Quinn and Jack Hughes have accounted for half of Team USA’s goals, underscoring their impact on the offense.
Sweden tied the game late in regulation when Mika Zibanejad scored with 1:31 left. The goal, with the extra attacker on the ice, forced overtime. It changed the momentum and put pressure back on the American side after they had controlled a major portion of the game.
Still, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck handled that pressure well and stayed focused going into overtime. He made 28 saves in the game and gave his team a chance to respond.
Hughes also spoke about what it means to represent his country on this stage. “It’s special. I mean, I love the U.S., and it’s the greatest country in the world. So happy to represent it here with these guys. And that’s really special,” he said.
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Team USA will now face Slovakia in the semifinals with a short turnaround. Hughes said the focus is already on recovery and preparation. “I think you just want to move on and be ready to go and get your feet up for the next 24 hours and then be ready to go,” he said.
The win keeps the United States in the race for a medal.
