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

Quinn Hughes played hero Wednesday with the game-winning goal in overtime.
Tom Dierberger, Karl Rasmussen|
Matthew Tkachuk celebrates after Team USA wins in overtime against Sweden at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Matthew Tkachuk celebrates after Team USA wins in overtime against Sweden at the Milan Cortina Olympics. | Erick W. Rasco/ Sports Illustrated

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.

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.

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.

Team USA men’s hockey vs. Sweden: Live updates

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Tom Dierberger
TOM DIERBERGER

Tom Dierberger is the Deputy News Director at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor’s in communication from St. John’s University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.

Karl Rasmussen
KARL RASMUSSEN

Karl Rasmussen is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated. A University of Oregon alum who joined SI in February 2023, his work has appeared on 12up and ClutchPoints. Rasmussen is a loyal Tottenham, Jets, Yankees and Ducks fan.

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