Mike Sullivan and Team USA end Mika Zibanejad's Olympic dream in epic OT thriller

J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, and Team USA entered their quarterfinal matchup against Mika Zibanejad and Team Sweden looking to punch their ticket to the semifinals. Earlier in the day, Canada, Finland, and Slovakia had already secured their spots — two of them in dramatic overtime fashion. This game followed the same script.

Sweden gave Team USA a scare

Sweden was clearly the toughest opponent the Americans had faced so far. For the first time in these Olympics, Team USA was staring down a roster made entirely of NHL players. And here’s a wild stat: Team USA had not beaten Sweden in Olympic play in 66 years — eight straight tournaments.

The Americans caught a break just before puck drop when Sweden’s star defenseman Victor Hedman was injured during warmups. Jacob Markström drew the start for Sweden opposite Connor Hellebuyck for Team USA.

Both teams came out aggressive, attacking off the rush and pushing the pace, but the first period ended scoreless.

The second period picked up right where the first left off. Both sides stayed relentless on the forecheck and continued to pressure the opposing goaltenders, who were trading marquee saves to keep the game tied. With Markström and Hellebuyck’s massive frames clogging the crease, the game had the feel of a tightly contested NHL playoff battle.

At 8:57 of the second, the United States finally broke through. Jack Hughes — who has been electric all tournament — ripped a shot from the point that was subtly deflected by Dylan Larkin past Markström. Jack’s brother Quinn also picked up an assist on the play.

Team USA kept the pressure on to close out the period, but Markström was doing his best Henrik Lundqvist impression, refusing to let the Americans stretch the lead before intermission.

In an interesting decision by Sweden’s head coach Sam Hallam, Devils star Jesper Bratt sat on the bench for the first two periods without taking a single shift. When he finally got minutes, he was effective, which only raised more questions about why he was stapled to the bench for so long.

As the third period opened, the game continued to mirror the first two — tight, physical, and evenly matched between two hockey superpowers. But sensing the urgency of the moment, Sweden elevated their play. They controlled long stretches in the offensive zone and came inches from tying the game when Adrian Kempe rang a shot off the post.

Zibanejad comes through in the clutch

The game took a turn when Rangers' star forward, who else could it have really been?, tied the game with time winding down to force overtime. Zibanejad's been sensational this year for the Rangers, and one of Sweden's top players at the Olympics.

The tension spiked as the teams entered a 10‑minute, three‑on‑three sudden‑death overtime with a semifinal berth on the line.

And then, at 6:33 of overtime, Quinn Hughes delivered the moment of the tournament. He ripped a gorgeous wrist shot from the top of the circle, beating Markström clean and sending Team USA to the semifinals — a walk‑off winner in an instant Olympic classic.

Cue up “Free Bird”

It was a big moment for the elder Hughes brother, and it is hard not to think about the impact he could have had for Team USA had he been healthy enough to play at 4-Nations. He's been huge for Team USA in these Olympics, and will look to continue that in the semis.

Next up... Team Slovakia!