As the 2026 Olympic Games draw to a close, the men's hockey quarterfinals delivered thrilling action on Wednesday. Fans of the Anaheim Ducks had plenty to watch, with three of their players making an impact on the ice: Lukas Dostal and Radko Gudas for Czechia, and Mikael Granlund for Finland. Meanwhile, Damian Clara's journey with Italy ended on Tuesday, and Jackson LaCombe remained a healthy scratch for the U.S.
Radko Gudas and Lukas Dostal (Czechia vs. Canada)
In a nail-biting quarterfinal, Czechia faced off against Canada, a team they had previously lost to in the tournament opener. This time, Czechia was ready to challenge the gold-medal favorites. The first period ended with Czechia leading 2-1, but Canada took control as the game progressed.
Gudas showcased his defensive prowess, combining physicality with smart anticipation to disrupt Canada's advances. His defensive efforts were crucial, though one encounter led to an unfortunate injury for Canada's captain, Sidney Crosby. Gudas’ game was highlighted by an assist that came from intercepting a pass, sparking a Czechia attack.
Dostal, on the other hand, was a wall in net, making 37 saves out of 41 shots. His lateral movement and rebound control were on full display, though Czechia ultimately fell short in overtime. Despite his strong performance, Dostal couldn't carry the team to victory, ending his first Olympic run without a medal.
Mikael Granlund (Finland vs. Switzerland)
Finland's clash with Switzerland was a high-stakes thriller. Switzerland, despite missing star forward Kevin Fiala, put up a formidable fight. They led late into the game, but Finland's firepower, led by Sebastian Aho and Miro Heiskanen, forced the game into overtime.
Granlund, serving as Finland's captain, started on the top line and later found himself shuffled through various combinations as the Finnish coaching staff sought the right spark. His defensive reliability and puck movement were vital, especially when paired with different linemates. While he didn't score, his efforts were instrumental in keeping Finland's offense dynamic.
As the semifinals approach, the Ducks' fans will be keen to see how Granlund and Finland adjust their strategies against a powerful Canadian team.
The Olympic journey for these Ducks players has been a mix of highs and lows, showcasing their talent on the international stage. While the quest for medals continues for some, the experience gained is invaluable as they return to their NHL duties.