USA survives scare in quarterfinal : Canada knows who it’s facing in semis

Team USA is moving on to the semifinals after surviving a scare against Sweden in a nail-biting quarterfinal showdown.

The Americans led for the majority of the game, controlling play and pressuring the Swedish defense and excellent goaltending by Jacob Markström. But with just 1:32 left in regulation, Mika Zibanejad delivered a clutch goal to force overtime, sending fans of both teams into a frenzy.

The extra period didn’t last long before Team USA’s Quinn Hughes ended the drama in spectacular fashion. The defenseman unleashed a perfect snipe, beating the Swedish goaltender and securing a 2-1 win for the Stars and Stripes. Hughes’ goal not only kept the U.S. alive but also sparked celebrations on the bench and in the stands alike.

It was yet another display of why the 2026 Winter Olympics have been unforgettable: three of the four quarterfinals went into overtime, giving fans an incredible show of tension and skill.

With the win, Team USA will face Slovakia in Friday’s semifinals, while Finland takes on Canada in the other matchup. No matter the outcome, the tournament has already delivered some of the most thrilling hockey in recent memory.

And for those, well everyone, looking for a Gold medal face-off between USA and Canada, well, we will know after Friday's semifinals.