The excitement continues to build in Milan and Cortina as the Winter Games reach their final stages. In the men’s hockey quarterfinals today, drama unfolded with three of the four matches extending into overtime. In the climactic final game, Team USA secured their spot in the semifinals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Sweden, thanks to a decisive goal from Quinn Hughes.
Correspondents provide comprehensive coverage of the event, which can be found on NBC News or streamed on Peacock.
In the quarterfinals, the competition was fierce. Slovakia earned a decisive 6-2 victory against Germany, but the next three matchups were closely contested. Team Canada edged out Czechia with a nail-biting 4-3 win, thanks in part to key saves from goalie Jordan Binnington. Likewise, Finland, the defending Olympic champions, staged a heroic comeback against Switzerland to win 3-2 in overtime.
The final match of the day saw the Americans cling to a one-goal lead until Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad leveled the score with just under two minutes remaining in regulation. The overtime period, characterized by a sudden-death format played at 3-on-3, added to the electrifying atmosphere. A few minutes into this tense period, Quinn Hughes took advantage of an opening and fired a shot that hit the post and deflected into the net, sparking jubilation among his teammates.
Looking ahead, Team USA will face Slovakia in the semifinals on Friday, while Canada prepares to square off against Finland for the chance to compete for the gold medal.
On a separate note, Mikaela Shiffrin, a star in Alpine skiing, also made headlines today. Despite facing challenges in previous Olympics, Shiffrin triumphed in the slalom with an impressive combined time of 1:39.1, finishing 1.5 seconds ahead of the silver medalist. This victory marked the largest margin of victory in Olympic Alpine skiing since 1998. “The skiing is what I cared about and of course, medal and (win) gold, I mean, that’s a dream come true,” Shiffrin reflected on her performance.
On the medal front, Norway’s dominance continues, led by cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who secured another gold in the men’s team sprint. Klæbo has now achieved five gold medals at these Games, joining the ranks of legendary Olympians like Michael Phelps.
In a noteworthy personal story, U.S. hockey player Hilary Knight recently proposed to her longtime girlfriend, American speedskater Brittany Bowe, showcasing the strong bonds formed in the Olympic community. Their relationship blossomed during the pandemic-affected 2022 Beijing Games, and Knight’s proposal signifies a moment of joy amidst the competitive spirit of the Games.
Tomorrow promises to be exciting with the debut of ski mountaineering, a demanding new Olympic sport that tests both skiing and endurance. Athletes from the U.S. will participate in mixed relay events, navigating the rigors of uphill racing.
Additionally, spectators can look forward to an action-packed schedule, including curling semifinals, finals in both women’s and men’s ski mountaineering, and the gold medal game in women’s hockey featuring Team USA versus Canada.
As the Winter Games progress, the spirit of sportsmanship, personal triumphs, and thrilling performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.