by The United States men’s hockey team is headed to the semifinals after defeating Sweden 2-1 in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, February 18. The men’s team will take on Slovakia on Friday, February 20, at 3:10 p.m. ET and can be viewed on NBC and streamed on Peacock. The women’s ice hockey team will play Canada in the anticipated gold medal final on Thursday, February 19, at 1:10 p.m. ET and can also be viewed on NBC or streamed on Peacock. The women have had an outstanding Olympic run this year and are confident they can bring home the gold.
The first period of Wednesday’s game started close, with both teams staying even throughout. Only one penalty was called on Sweden at 3:21 for slashing, but neither team managed to score. Dylan Larkin came out for the middle frame ready, as he scored the first goal of the game at 1:03 with an assist from brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes. Sweden served a tripping penalty at 7:28, but the US was unsuccessful on the advantage.
Vincent Trocheck opened the third period with a two-minute tripping penalty at 2:35, but Sweden was unable to tie the score. Late in the final frame, Sweden removed their goalkeeper to put in an extra attacker at 18:22, tying the score at 1-1 and forcing overtime at 18:29, then added the goalkeeper back in.
Quinn Hughes scored the overtime game-winning goal for the United States at 3:27 into extra time, getting help from Matt Boldy and Auston Matthews. Connor Hellebuyck was in the net for the US on Wednesday and saved 29 of the 30 shots on goal. The men are hoping to continue to find success as they move on to the next round of games on Friday.
Image sourced via Google Images.
