Team USA Survive Sweden, Advance To Semifinal As Quinn Hughes Scores OT Winner

SALT LAKE CITY – American Defenseman Quinn Hughes put the entire nation on his back against the Swedes in OT as he called game with a gorgeous shot past the glove of Jacob Markstrom to send Team USA to the semifinals.

It may not have been the most ideal scenario, but the United States lived to fight another day as they outlasted Sweden 2-1 in overtime.

SOMEONE TURN ON FREE BIRD 🇺🇸🦅 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/fNTceaeVCp

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 18, 2026

A closely contested matchup between USA & Sweden required OT to decide a winner

There wasn’t much to separate the United States and Sweden on Wednesday afternoon as both star-studded lineups produced just a goal each through regulation.

While USA struck first and led for most of the contest, Sweden successfully tied the game in the final two minutes after pulling their goaltender as Mika Zibanejad blasted a one-timer past Connor Hellebuyck to force OT.

A USA goal slo-mo style. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/t6BkFdSnvX

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) February 18, 2026

SWEDEN TIES IT! MIKA ZIBANEJAD! pic.twitter.com/XXzJNfWZur

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

Rather than building on their lead down the stretch, the Americans settled to defend which opened a window for Sweden to push late and tie the game.

Quinn Hughes played hero with sensational OT goal for Team USA

The ghosts in Milan must’ve been encouraging Hughes to shoot during the overtime period as the American defenseman stepped onto the ice with a single purpose.

Win the hockey game.

Quinn Hughes acknowledged the internet joke of him seeing ghosts on the ice 👻😂 pic.twitter.com/QnLy1dLR5D

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 16, 2026

Desperate for a goal to keep USA’s gold medal hopes alive, No. 43 was relentless in the offensive zone as he danced his way through the defense and then unleashed a laser beam off the post and into the back of the net.

QUINN HUGHES! USA WINS! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/WxbCRKxPiO

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

The United States victory over Sweden capped off an electric day of hockey as three of the four games required overtime to determine a winner.

Czechia pushed Canada to the brink, but Nick Suzuki and Mitch Marner delivered two clutch goals to send the Canadians through to the #WinterOlympics semifinal. pic.twitter.com/sUIzMOYCLM

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

DOWN 2-0 WITH SEVEN MINUTES LEFT IN THE THIRD, THE REIGNING GOLD MEDALISTS SURVIVE 3-2 IN OT. 🇫🇮
WHAT A DAY FOR OLYMPIC HOCKEY. pic.twitter.com/vZPj4F4MMZ

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

Clayton Keller benched after first period

After a stellar performance in his Olympic debut against Germany, Clayton Keller remained in the lineup for the quarterfinal matchup with Sweden.

Unfortunately, however, Keller was not utilized much at all against the Swedes as he logged just 4:44 of ice time over six shifts.

Why?

That remains unclear for now as Keller remained on the bench but didn’t see a shift after recording only one to begin the middle frame.

Not that he had a great first period but benching him for his performance seems highly questionable.

Time will tell whether or not he’ll suit up again in the semifinal against Slovakia.

What’s next for Team USA Hockey?

The United States Women’s hockey team will play for gold against Canada on Thursday at 11:10 a.m. MT.

After defeating Sweden, the United States Men’s hockey team will face Slovakia in the semifinal on Friday.

Puck drop is TBD.

Both games will be available to stream on Peacock.

Cole Bagley is the Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV. 

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