MILAN — The puck carried a story that no American wanted to hear. With 91 seconds left, Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad scored on U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck, tying their quarterfinal, 1–1, and here came the story: The Americans couldn’t finish, just like at the 4 Nations Face-Off last winter. Hellebuyck was headed for another devastating elimination-game loss, just like his playoff disappointments with the Winnipeg Jets.
A narrative like that can be self-fulfilling. This one never reached the U.S. bench. The Americans brushed the goal aside and dominated 3-on-3 overtime to win 2–1. Quinn Hughes scored the game-winner: “Created some space for myself,” he said, “and then took it to my forehand where I wanted it.” That’s the same Norris Trophy–winning Quinn Hughes who missed the 4 Nations with an injury.
