What We Learned As Team USA Secures Semifinals Berth in OT Thriller vs. Sweden

Team USA now stands just two wins away from its first gold medal in men’s hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” squad.

The U.S. has secured its place in the semifinals after defeating Sweden in an overtime thriller on Wednesday, 2–1. Quinn Hughes had two points in the win, including the game-winner with 6:33 remaining in overtime.

Now, a matchup with Slovakia awaits in the semifinals, with the game set for Friday, Feb. 20.

Here are three key takeaways from Wednesday’s game:

The U.S. has been prolific on set plays

Team USA has been able to generate a spark off set plays throughout the Olympics. They scored two goals off a face-off in their Olympic opener against Latvia, had another against Denmark and they converted on yet another one against Sweden on Wednesday.

After winning a face-off in Sweden’s zone, Jack Hughes looped around to the center of the ice and put a puck on net, which was tactfully deflected by Dylan Larkin for the game’s first goal. These set plays are few and far between, but when the opportunity emerges, the U.S. has been able to capitalize, and should continue to look for those opportunities in the semifinals against Slovakia.

DYLAN LARKIN FLIES IN AND OPENS UP THE SCORING. 🇺🇸#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/Lmu8uuDeij
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

The tireless Quinn Hughes is built for this stage

Quinn Hughes logged the most minutes of any skater in Wednesday’s overtime game. He played more than 27 minutes against Sweden and registered points on both of Team USA’s goals, including his prolific OT winner.

That goal came just after Hughes waved off a substitution, informing coach Mike Sullivan that he had enough gas left in the tank to stay out there a bit longer. That turned out to be a great decision from Hughes.

Hughes leads the team with six points in four games, and his game-winner was his first-ever goal at the Olympics.

QUINN HUGHES! USA WINS! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/WxbCRKxPiO
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

In Connor Hellebuyck we trust

Connor Hellebuyck’s Stanley Cup Playoff woes have not followed him to Milan. Team USA’s No. 1 goalie has looked all the part of a three-time Vezina winner at the Olympics. In three starts for the U.S., he’s surrendered a total of three goals. He’s stood on his head time and time again, and his contributions in the net on Wednesday were nothing short of pivotal for the U.S.

At the Milan Cortina Olympics, Hellebuyck has now made a total of 68 saves while surrendering just three goals, good for an elite .956 save percentage.