In a thrilling quarterfinal showdown, Team USA, featuring stars like J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck, faced off against Mika Zibanejad and Team Sweden, aiming to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Earlier, Canada, Finland, and Slovakia had already booked their places, with two of those victories coming in dramatic overtime finishes. This game was no different.
Sweden Puts the Pressure On
Team USA found themselves up against their toughest challenge yet, as Sweden boasted a roster full of NHL talent. Remarkably, the Americans hadn't beaten Sweden in Olympic play for 66 years-a streak spanning eight tournaments.
A twist came just before the puck dropped: Sweden’s standout defenseman, Victor Hedman, was sidelined due to an injury in warmups. This left Jacob Markström to start in goal for Sweden, opposing Team USA’s Connor Hellebuyck.
Both teams came out swinging, attacking fiercely and maintaining a high tempo, but the first period ended without a goal.
The second period was a continuation of the first, with relentless forechecking and intense pressure on both goaltenders. Markström and Hellebuyck were putting on a clinic, making save after save in what felt like an NHL playoff atmosphere.
Finally, at 8:57 into the second, Team USA found the back of the net. Jack Hughes, electrifying throughout the tournament, fired a shot from the point that Dylan Larkin deftly deflected past Markström. Quinn Hughes also earned an assist on the play.
Despite continued pressure from Team USA, Markström was stellar, channeling his inner Henrik Lundqvist to keep the score tight heading into the final period.
A curious coaching decision by Sweden saw Devils star Jesper Bratt benched for the first two periods. When he finally hit the ice, his impact was immediate, prompting questions about his earlier absence.
Zibanejad’s Clutch Performance
As the third period began, the game’s intensity didn't wane. Sweden elevated their play, dominating stretches in the offensive zone and coming agonizingly close to tying it up when Adrian Kempe’s shot clanged off the post.
Then, in a moment that seemed almost inevitable, Mika Zibanejad, the Rangers' standout forward, delivered the equalizer, pushing the game into a tense overtime. Zibanejad has been a force for both the Rangers and Team Sweden, and his clutch performance was no surprise.
The stakes were sky-high as the teams entered a 10-minute, three-on-three sudden-death overtime, with a semifinal spot hanging in the balance.
Quinn Hughes Seals the Deal
At 6:33 into overtime, Quinn Hughes etched his name into Olympic lore. With a stunning wrist shot from the top of the circle, he beat Markström cleanly, sending Team USA into the semifinals and capping off an instant classic.
It was a defining moment for Quinn Hughes, whose impact in these Olympics has been monumental. As Team USA moves forward, they'll be counting on him to continue his stellar play in the semis.