JUMP TO:<\/p>\n
The United States were leading Sweden 1-0 through 58 minutes and were moments away from punching a ticket to the 2026 Olympic hockey semifinals. But, when Mika Zibanejad scored an empty netter to tie the game and send it to overtime, every United States hockey fan was worried. Could “the greatest roster ever assembled” actually go home in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n
Before the extra frame, though, cameras panned to the U.S. bench and the players looked calm. Right after it, the Americans dominated overtime against a Sweden team that has a full roster of NHL players, outshooting the three crowns 6-0. The iconic moment was made by Quinn Hughes\u00a0\u2014 who led all skaters in ice time\u00a0\u2014 who ripped his shot into the net for a thrilling 2-1 victory as the U.S. advanced to the Olympic semifinals.<\/p>\n
STREAM: Watch USA vs. Sweden hockey game live on Peacock<\/a><\/p>\n Team USA was neck-and-neck against a talented Sweden team that entered the Olympics as the third favorite. Through the first 30 minutes, the game remained scoreless with goalies Connor Hellebuyck and Jacob Markstrom making saves. It was a tip in by Dylan Larkin that gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead heading into the third.<\/p>\n In the third, while the U.S. had some chances, it felt like Sweden was too close to equalizing. They outshot the Americans in the final frame, finally scoring with Markstrom pulled; Mika Zibanejad ripped a shot home from the left circle, something NHL fans have become so accustomed to, sending the game to overtime.<\/p>\n Then, between two world hockey powerhouses, it was the United States who came out on top. The Americans had the better of the chances in the overtime period, then it was Hughes\u00a0\u2014 who missed last year’s Four Nations Faceoff with an injury\u00a0\u2014 who used his signature skating then ripped his shot past Markstrom, sending Team USA to the next round.<\/p>\n In a tournament meant to define and inspire the next generation of U.S. hockey, Hughes just delivered a signature moment, getting the Americans one massive step closer to gold. For the first time since 1960, the United States has defeated Sweden in the Olympics.<\/p>\n The Sporting News followed all the action from Team USA’s thrilling victory that fans will remember for a long time, one that sent them to the Olympic semifinals. Check out all the highlights below<\/p>\n MORE 2026 OLYMPICS:\u00a0Live medal tracker<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Viewer’s guide<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Day-by-day schedule<\/a><\/p>\n USA vs. Sweden hockey scoreUSA vs. Sweden live updates, highlights from 2026 Olympic men’s hockey quarterfinalFinal: United States 2, Sweden 1<\/p>\n 5:40 GOAL:\u00a0The United States is moving on with a golden goal.<\/p>\n It’s the leader in ice time and the guy who was missing during the Four Nations Faceoff: Quinnn Hughes. One of the best defensemen in the world outskates his opponent then rips a shot past Markstrom and Milan goes up in cheers.\u00a0<\/p>\n With it, the United States will move on to the Olympic semifinals. What a game to end the quarterfinals, with three overtimes today. Quinn Hughes is the overtime hero and provided a moment that U.S. hockey fans will remember forever.<\/p>\n QUINN HUGHES! USA WINS! \ud83e\udd85 pic.twitter.com\/WxbCRKxPiO<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The U.S. survives and advances.<\/p>\n 5:37 p.m.:\u00a0Two minutes into the extra frame, it’s been the U.S. with the better chances but Markstrom has saved every one.<\/p>\n But, on the other end, Sweden has threatened.<\/p>\n End of regulation: United States 1, Sweden 1<\/p>\n 5:30 p.m.:\u00a0For the third time this quarterfinals, we’re going to overtime.<\/p>\n The U.S. and Sweden are tied after 60 minutes after a late Zibanejad goal. The pressure is on for both the United States and Sweden.<\/p>\n Who will be the hero?<\/p>\n United States 1, Sweden 1<\/p>\n 5:27 p.m. GOAL:\u00a0With Markstrom pulled, Sweden has tied the game.<\/p>\n It’s Zibanejad from his signature one-timer slot, beating Hellebuyck to tie the game at one.<\/p>\n This game is tied with 1:31 remaining<\/p>\n 5:22 p.m.:\u00a0This period, Sweden is outshooting Team USA 8-3. Every time it is in the zone, Sweden players have been crashing in front of Hellebuyck.<\/p>\n 5:17 p.m.:\u00a0We’re under seven minutes.<\/p>\n The Swedes had a player wide open in front, but once again a Hellebuyck stick extinguished the chance.<\/p>\n 5:14 p.m.:\u00a0There’s 8:58 remaining in the third with the game still 1-0. Sanderson gets a shot saved by Markstrom before the goalie covers it up.<\/p>\n The U.S. has had a few chances this period to extend the lead but have been unable to. On the other side, a whole nation holds its breath whenever the Swedes enter the zone.<\/p>\n 5:11 p.m.:\u00a0Sweden is on the front foot looking for the equalizer.<\/p>\n The Swedes were in the American zone for well over a minute, but some good sticks by the U.S. kept the chances minimal. Though, they are pushing.<\/p>\n 5:08 p.m.:\u00a0Right before the commercial break, Lucas Raymond’s shot is swallowed up by Hellebuyck, who is up to 22 saves on the day.<\/p>\n The U.S. is outshooting Sweden 32-22. But, it only leads by one in crunch time.<\/p>\n 5:05 p.m.:\u00a0Shortly after killing the penalty, Noah Hanifin has a shot that goes into Markstrom’s pads. The goalie loses the puck but it stays out.<\/p>\n It’s still 1-0 five minutes into the third.<\/p>\n 5:04 p.m.:\u00a0Mika Zibanejad was all alone to Hellebuyck’s right and would have unleashed a slapshot if Brock Faber did not get a stick on the pass. But, the defenseman tips it into the stands.<\/p>\n Then, the puck is cleared and we’re back at even strength.<\/p>\n 5:00 p.m.:\u00a0Sweden will head to the man advantage for the first time in the game.<\/p>\n It’s Vincent Trocheck who goes to the box after tripping Landeskog, sending the Swedes to the power play. It’s a crucial time for an equalizer.<\/p>\n 4:58 p.m.:\u00a0For the first time today, Jesper Bratt is on the ice for Sweden, his shot poked away by a defender.<\/p>\n The Devils forward did not log a shift in the first two frames.<\/p>\n 4:56 p.m.:\u00a0The puck has dropped in the third period.\u00a0<\/p>\n It’s do-or-die time for both Team USA and Sweden. One will punch a berth to the Olympic semifinals and the other will see its tournament dreams go up in flames.<\/p>\n 4:55 p.m.:\u00a0The third period is moments away.<\/p>\n Team USA enters the final frame holding onto a 1-0 lead.<\/p>\n End of the second period: United States 1, Sweden 0<\/p>\n 4:37 p.m.:\u00a0The second period is over, with Larkins goal the only breakthrough.\u00a0<\/p>\n The U.S. dominated the second half, finally breaking the deadlock and have been on the attack since. But, Sweden’s experienced goaltender has stood tall, especially on the late-period man advantage.<\/p>\n There’s 20 more minutes left in this one.\u00a0<\/p>\n 4:36 p.m.:\u00a0Markstrom is keeping Sweden in the game, making a few more saves on the power play, the last one spiraling on Eichel.<\/p>\n 4:33 p.m.: With the clock ticking under three minutes, the United States are going back to the power play.<\/p>\n It’s a tripping penalty on Hampus Lindholm, sending Team USA to the man advantage for the second time.<\/p>\n 4:28 p.m.:\u00a0Since breaking the scoreless tie, the U.S. has had the better of the chances, but Markstrom has been there to make the saves. The last one was on Werenski, where he got his glove on a shot from the left side.<\/p>\n 4:25 p.m.:\u00a0The U.S. is on the front foot, now getting a chance with the Tkachuk brothers on the ice. Brady’s shot is saved by Markstrom, and a scrum breaks out after.<\/p>\n We’re under seven minutes in the second.<\/p>\n United States 1, Sweden 0<\/p>\n 4:22 p.m. GOAL:\u00a0The United States strike first.<\/p>\n It’s Dylan Larkin, who scores his first goal of the tournament on a tip in from a Jack Hughes shot. The Detroit Red Wing elevated the shot right before the goalie could track it.<\/p>\n Just taaaap it in \ud83d\udea8 #WinterOlympics<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/IM34GlElxu<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n With it, Team USA leads 1-0.<\/p>\n 4:21 p.m.:\u00a0Markstrom keeps making the big saves when Sweden needs them most.<\/p>\n He gives up a rebound on a Quinn Hughes shot, but the puck bounces to Charlie McAvoy; though, Markstrom is there to track it.<\/p>\n 4:19 p.m.:\u00a0Now, it’s Eichel who walks in and brings the puck to his forehand. He gets Markstrom to dive but puts it over the net.<\/p>\n We’re more than halfway through and the game stays scoreless.<\/p>\n 4:17 p.m.:\u00a0With 10:10 left in the second, the puck will drop in the U.S. zone after two saves by Hellebuyck.<\/p>\n The first was on Raymond, with the puck dribbling past him. Then, a shot from the point is swallowed up.<\/p>\n 4:16 p.m.:\u00a0Team USA might have had it’s best chance of the game, with Jake Guentzel getting a feed from Matthews right in front of Markstrom, but it’s saved.<\/p>\n No. 59 tried going five hole, but Markstrom’s stick was there to keep the game 0-0.<\/p>\n 4:11 p.m.:\u00a0At the first break in the second period, it’s been Sweden who has been the better team.<\/p>\n It feels like the Swedes are faster to the puck. But, some chances have went wide of the net.<\/p>\n 4:05 p.m.:\u00a0The first real chance of the period comes from Tage Thompson, who gets a slapshot from the left circle, but once again, it goes into Markstrom’s chest.<\/p>\n 4:02 p.m.:\u00a0The second period is underway with the U.S. and Sweden still tied.<\/p>\n Both teams are looking to break the ice.<\/p>\n End of the first period: United States 0, Sweden 0<\/p>\n 3:44 p.m.:\u00a0The first period has concluded in Milan with the game still 0-0.<\/p>\n This has been a back-and-forth affair, with both teams getting a fair share of chances. Though, the goalies have stood tall.<\/p>\n Let’s see who breaks the deadlock in the second.<\/p>\n 3:41 p.m.:\u00a0Hellebuyck has made some big saves to keep the game scoreless. Here, he gets his pad on a shot from Rasmus Dahlin for his 10th of the day.<\/p>\n 3:36 p.m.:\u00a0Now, the puck trickles to Jaccob Slavin, who has his one-timer blocked by Markstrom.<\/p>\n A few seconds later, Jack Hughes has a chance and his slapshot is swallowed up by the Swedish goaltender, who is up to 10 saves on the day.<\/p>\n 3:32 p.m.:\u00a0With 6:40 remaining, the U.S. and Sweden remain in a stalemate.<\/p>\n Shots are 8-8 in what’s been an even game so far.<\/p>\n 3:26 p.m.:\u00a0Markstrom keeps the game 0-0, with Eichel getting a shot from the left circle but the goaltender sweeping it up.<\/p>\n 3:23 p.m.:\u00a010 minutes in and the game is 0-0.<\/p>\n Both the U.S. and Sweden have had opportunities, but the game stays deadlocked.<\/p>\n 3:22 p.m.:\u00a0Sweden has been the better team since the power play, controlling most of the play in the offensive zone.<\/p>\n The Swedes have levelled the U.S. in shots, rattling off six straight.<\/p>\n 3:20 p.m.:\u00a0Sweden has its first shot, with Lucas Raymond’s shot getting paved away by Connor Hellebuyck’s blocker.<\/p>\n They follow it with another sustained period in the USA zone, getting three shots.<\/p>\n 3:18 p.m.:\u00a0The power play is killed, with the U.S. getting three shots.<\/p>\n The shot margin is 6-0 early in the game.<\/p>\n 3:17 p.m.:\u00a0The U.S. has had its chances in the power play. First, it was Auston Matthews getting a shot from the point, then a sequence later Brady Tkachuk’s shot is saved by Markstrom’s pad.<\/p>\n 3:15 p.m.:\u00a0We have our first penalty today, and it’s against Sweden.<\/p>\n Jack Eichel gets a defender to bite on a deke before his backhand is saved by Markstrom, but there is a slashing penalty on Gustav Forsling.<\/p>\n It sends the U.S. to the power play; the team has converted 3-of-7 tries this tournament.<\/p>\n 3:13 p.m.:\u00a0Now, it’s the U.S. with some time in the offensive zone.<\/p>\n Zach Werenski’s shot is saved by Jacob Markstrom, then a Quinn Hughes shot is wide.<\/p>\n 3:12 p.m.:\u00a0Sweden has its first real time in the zone, with the Colorado Avalanche<\/a>‘s Gabriel Landeskog ripping a shot wide.<\/p>\n It goes back to the Swedish zone as the clock goes under 19 minutes.<\/p>\n 3:11 p.m.:\u00a0We are underway in Milan.<\/p>\n THE STARS AND STRIPES HAVE ARRIVED. \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 #WinterOlympics<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa: 3:10pm ET on NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com\/7qWvfp8JtZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n For the U.S., it’s the Tkachuks and Jack Eichel to start off.<\/p>\n 3:08 p.m.:\u00a0The teams are making their way onto the ice.<\/p>\n First, it’s Sweden, the No. 6 seed looking to pull off an upset. They’re followed by the Americans, who are looking to defeat Sweden at the Olympics for the first time since 1960.<\/p>\n 3:02 p.m.:\u00a0It’s the top of the hour and the final quarterfinal is minutes away.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fast breaks ahead. \ud83d\udea8<\/p>\n Don’t miss the U.S. men’s ice hockey team take on Sweden in the quarterfinals live on @peacock<\/a> and @nbc<\/a>. #WinterOlympics<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/kTJ6m7n55Q<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Will it be Team USA or Sweden moving on?<\/p>\n 2:54 p.m.:\u00a0We have one more quarterfinal game to decide.<\/p>\n After Finland’s overtime win against Switzerland, here’s how the semifinal matchups would look depending on USA-Sweden.<\/p>\n So, here’s what we are looking at:<\/p>\n If USA wins tonight, semis will be Canada\/Finland & USA\/Slovakia<\/p>\n If Sweden wins, semis will be Canada\/Sweden & Slovakia\/Finland<\/p>\n \u2014 Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 2:43 p.m.:\u00a0The U.S. knows what’s on the line today. It’s a best of one.<\/p>\n Gotta keep leveling up\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 #WinterOlympics<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Q7hEWkom50<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 2:36 p.m.:\u00a0Team USA has arrived.<\/p>\n Fresh looks for the quarters \ud83e\udd76 #WinterOlympics<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/uGBavinVa3<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n For the second time, the Americans don their blue tracksuits, symboling that they will be wearing blue jerseys for today’s contest.<\/p>\n 2:28 p.m.:\u00a0On the other side, Sweden rolls with pretty much the same lineup from the win against Latvia.<\/p>\n \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 USA – Sverige \ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddea<\/p>\n Jesper Bratt tillbaka som 13:e forward, Marcus Johansson p\u00e5 l\u00e4ktaren tillsammans med Filip Gustavsson och Rasmus Andersson. pic.twitter.com\/uAb46ZfbPG<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Adam Johansson (@adamjjohansson) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 2:12 p.m.:\u00a0The lineup is out for Team USA.<\/p>\n Line it up for the quarters! \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 #WinterOlympics<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Qyv1JjCLac<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n There aren’t any major changes from the group stage, except for Vincent Trocheck being the extra forward and Clayton Keller slotting into the lineup.<\/p>\n 1:50 p.m.:\u00a0Every time the U.S. steps on the ice, it plays with a heavy heart in honor of Johnny Gaudreau.<\/p>\n Gaudreau, who was killed in a drunk driving crash in summer 2024, has represented Team USA on the international stage and most think he have been on the Milan team.<\/p>\n For Johnny, always. \u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\udc99#CBJ<\/a> | @BlueJacketsNHL<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/lrxAVIclBz<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 FanDuel Sports Network Columbus (@FanDuelSN_CBUS) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Now, his jersey hangs in the Team USA locker room.<\/p>\n 1:39 p.m.:\u00a0Some more pregame notes: Team USA is looking to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2014, which was the last time NHL players were in the games.<\/p>\n Quarterfinal notes! \u2b07\ufe0f#WinterOlympics<\/a> game preview: https:\/\/t.co\/RmAze8ztYY<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/X0N8DOiuJD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 1:32 p.m.:\u00a0The U.S. is looking for its first gold medal since the Miracle on Ice, and with Sweden on the agenda today fans remember this famous scene.<\/p>\n Who we playing rammer? pic.twitter.com\/ZfbqfkcTW4<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 1:16 p.m.:\u00a0Two teams have punched their tickets to the semifinals.<\/p>\n First, it was Slovakia, who pummeled Germany. Then, in a shocking game, the favorite Canada squeaked by Czechia in overtime thanks to a Mitch Marner goal.<\/p>\n 1:09 p.m.:\u00a0People have traveled from far to watch Team USA, and now, it’s time to bring the energy.<\/p>\n Time to bring the energy tonight! \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 #WinterOlympics<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/kMmsDdnGj0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 1:00 p.m.:\u00a0Sweden secured their place in the quarterfinals with a dominant 5-1 victory over Latvia, led by multi-point performances from Gabriel Landeskog, Mika Zibanejad, and William Nylander.<\/p>\n The game was effectively decided early in the first period when Adrian Kempe and Landeskog scored just 41 seconds apart to give the Swedes a lead they never relinquished.<\/p>\n While Latvia managed to cut the deficit to 3-1 in the second, Sweden\u2019s suffocating puck possession and a 20-save effort from Jacob Markstrom allowed them to close out the win and set up their high-stakes meeting with the United States.<\/p>\n 12:40 p.m.:\u00a0History is not on the side of the U.S.<\/p>\n You have to go all the way back to 1960 to find Team USA’s last win over its opponent.<\/p>\n Amazing stat from @jasondemers5<\/a><\/p>\n USA men have not beaten Sweden in the Olympics since February of 1960.<\/p>\n They\u2019ve either lost or tied each of their last 8 matchups \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n USA and Sweden will face-off tomorrow night in an elimination game \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddea<\/p>\n \u2014 Empty Netters (@EmptyNettersPod) February 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Today, the “greatest roster ever assembled” looks to break an eight-game non-win streak.<\/p>\n 12:25 p.m.:\u00a0The men’s team isn’t the only one going for gold, with the Team USA women’s team playing Canada in the gold medal game on Thursday.<\/p>\n Today, captain Hilary Knight got engaged to her fellow partner, fellow Olympian Brittney Bowe.<\/p>\n Team USA women’s hockey star Hilary Knight got engaged to partner Brittany Bowe, also an Olympian at the #WinterOlympics<\/a> \ud83e\udd79\ud83d\udc8d pic.twitter.com\/couIGSdd2h<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 12:06 p.m.:\u00a0In goal for the United States: Connor Hellebuyck.<\/p>\n Hellebuyck is in tonight for the Red, White and Blue! #WinterOlympics<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/IafX5BEALQ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The reigning Vezina Trophy winner has given up two goals this tournament.<\/p>\n 12:03 p.m.:\u00a0It’s do-or-die time for Team USA.<\/p>\n Game 7 mindset. \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Feature story: https:\/\/t.co\/1wNCj0dGvB<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/BIWeZMuvIi<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Today, the knockout stages get underway with a matchup against Sweden, one of the other hockey powerhouses in the world. The Swedes are coming off a 5-1 win over Latvia in the playoff round.<\/p>\n MORE OLYMPIC HOCKEY NEWS:<\/p>\n How to watch USA vs. Sweden hockey gameUSA vs. Sweden start timeDate: Wednesday, February 18Time: 3:10 p.m.\u00a0ET<\/p>\n The United States’ quarterfinal matchup against Sweden will begin at 3:10 p.m.\u00a0ET from Milan.<\/p>\n What channel is USA vs. Sweden on today?TV Channel: NBCLive stream: Peacock<\/a><\/p>\n NBC will have coverage of the USA vs. Sweden quarterfinal game. Additionally, the game can be live-streamed on Peacock<\/a>.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0Why USA vs. Canada can’t happen until 2026 gold medal game<\/a><\/p>\n Olympic hockey schedule 2026Quarterfinals\u00a0<\/p>\n Wednesday, February 18<\/p>\n Time (ET)MatchupTV\/Live stream6:10 a.m.No. 3 Slovakia vs. No. 6 GermanyPeacock<\/a>10:40 a.m.No. 1 Canada vs.\u00a0No. 8 CzechiaUSA, Peacock12:10\u00a0p.m.No. 4 Finland vs. No. 5 SwitzerlandPeacock3:10 p.m.No. 2 USA vs. No. 7 SwedenNBC, PeacockSemifinals<\/p>\n Friday, February 20<\/p>\n Time (ET)MatchupTV\/Live stream10:40 a.m.TBDPeacock<\/a>1:10 p.m.TBDNBC, PeacockBronze Medal GameTime (ET)MatchupTV\/Live stream2:40 p.m.\u00a0TBDUSA,\u00a0Peacock<\/a>Gold medal gameTime (ET)MatchupTV\/Live stream8:10 a.m.TBDNBC,\u00a0Peacock<\/a><\/p>\n
The U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team faces Sweden in a tournament advancing quarterfinal at the 2026 #WinterOlympics<\/a> today at 3:10 p.m. ET on NBC & Peacock.<\/p>\n