Quinn Hughes delivered a moment that will be etched in the memories of U.S. hockey fans when he scored a dramatic overtime goal, propelling Team USA to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Sweden in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. With just 3:27 gone in overtime, Hughes fired a precise shot that deflected off the right post and into the net, sending the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena into jubilation as fans donned in blue jerseys rushed to celebrate.
“I am playing for all the U.S. kids who are passionate about USA Hockey and want to see us win,” Hughes expressed after the game, highlighting the pride he feels representing the nation. Reflecting on the emotional weight of the moment, Hughes shared, “Just relief. I have been enjoying wearing the crest and playing with the superstars that we have on our team.”
The game featured a nail-biting conclusion in the third period when Mika Zibanejad of Sweden equalized with just 91 seconds left on the clock. Despite the setback, Hughes emphasized the resilience of his team, which boasts players with significant playoff experience, stating, “You have to pick yourself back up. It is a resilient group with a lot of experience, so you just pick yourself back up and get ready to go.”
Hughes, who had missed the 4 Nations Face-Off the previous year due to injury, demonstrated his readiness for the Olympic stage. In the high-pressure overtime, he seized the opportunity after receiving a pass from Matt Boldy, maneuvering into position to deliver the winning shot.
Boldy praised Hughes’s skill and determination, noting, “He is an absolute animal, the guy you want to have with the puck. He so talented, not only to create shots but to create lanes and chances.” Meanwhile, U.S. captain Auston Matthews, who assisted on the goal, underscored the significance of the victory, highlighting the do-or-die nature of the game.
Dylan Larkin, who scored the first goal for Team USA earlier in the match, echoed Hughes’s sentiments about the team’s journey. With the U.S. now two wins away from claiming a gold medal—an achievement not seen since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980—Larkin expressed his excitement for the upcoming challenges.
“Unbelievable, unbelievable,” Larkin said. “It’s what we dream about.” The U.S. team is now poised to face Slovakia, who advanced after defeating Germany 6-2, in the semifinals, and Hughes acknowledged the upcoming match as an immense challenge.
“It’s going to be an extremely hard test,” Hughes remarked. “They’re competitive. They’re fast, and it doesn’t matter how many superstars you have. It’s just a desperation level that is so high.” With an attack mindset and determination to bring home Olympic gold, Team USA is ready to embrace the crucial games ahead.