It wasn’t easy, but Team USA overcame a stunning late third period goal to capture a 2-1 overtime win over Sweden on Wednesday.
Quinn Hughes, who had an assist on the U.S. team’s first goal of the game, rifled home the winner in overtime to send the United States to the semifinal round.
After a scoreless first period, the United States was able to edge out in front as Dylan Larkin scored near the halfway mark of the game to give the team a 1-0 lead.
Jack Hughes got the puck near the top of the zone off of a feed from Quinn Hughes, and his low slapshot was deflected home by Larkin to give the United States their first lead of the game.
The U.S. and Sweden traded successful penalty kills after the Larkin goal, with Sweden killing off a Hampus Lindholm penalty and the U.S. doing the same early in the third period after a tripping call on Vincent Trocheck.
It appeared that the U.S. could potentially escape with a victory, but Sweden had other ideas late in the third period.
The Swedes pulled goaltender Jacob Markstrom with less than two minutes to go in the game, and mere seconds later Mika Zibanejad scored on a one-timer to tie the game at 1-1 with less than 1:30 remaining in regulation.
The United States had a few opportunities in the closing seconds of regulation, but they were unable to get the go-ahead goal, sending the game to overtime.
After a tense overtime frame, the United States ultimately prevailed when drove down between the face-off circles and rifled a shot past Markstrom, giving the U.S. a 2-1 win and a spot in the semifinals.
Awaiting them in that game will be Slovakia, while Canada, who also won in overtime on Wednesday, will face Finland. Both games will be played on Friday.
