3 lessons from USA’s 2-1 win over Sweden in the quarterfinals – The Hockey Writers Olympics Latest news, analysis and more

Wow, what a day of quarterfinal hockey at the Olympics. Saw the last game of the day Team USA defeated Sweden 2-1 in extra time, the third quarter-final that required extra time. This was another excellent match, with physicality, late goals and dramatic endings. This was as entertaining a 2-1 match as you’ll see.

The Americans opened the scoring halfway through the second period thanks to a point shot aimed in by Dylan Larkin. That lead held until Mika Zibanejad tied the game in the final minutes and forced overtime. That comeback bid failed when Quinn Hughes came in and ripped the game winner, cementing Team USA’s spot in the semifinals. Here are three lessons from this nerve-wracking, low-scoring affair.

The Swedish glaciation distribution was questionable

You are allowed to dress thirteen forwards and seven defensemen in international competitions, as opposed to the usual twelve forwards and six defensemen in the NHL. However, Sweden did not use that to their advantage. Defender Victor Hedman was injured during pre-match warm-ups and was ruled out for this matchup. Despite this, he still dressed and sat on the bench, wasting a roster spot that could have been given to Rasmus Andersson, who was healthily scratched.

Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament

The most baffling decision was the use of Jesper Bratt. Bratt didn’t work the first two periods, but finally saw the ice for the first time at the start of the third. The Swedes had no speed against the stingy US defense and could have used Bratt’s tenacity much sooner. Once in the game, he stood out and created opportunities in the offensive zone that were not there in the first two periods.

The New Jersey Devils forward is a speedster who gets ahead and creates turnovers, which leads to scoring opportunities. Sweden could not generate sustained offensive zone time and good scoring opportunities as the Americans were able to break out the puck with ease. Sweden could not disrupt the break, and Bratt would have contributed to that earlier in the match. He is easily one of the top 10 Swedish forwards, but he wasn’t used correctly and it cost them. He finished the game with 6:25 of ice time.

This game was a defensive battle

Both countries have strong defensive units, and that was fully reflected in this game. There was a feeling process to start the match as neither team wanted to make a mistake. The first goal was only scored halfway through the match, which was the longest time of the entire tournament before the opening goal. Both countries have physicality and exceptional puck-moving defensemen who can transport the puck to the forwards, which is a deadly combination. Team USA was led by Hughes, who scored the overtime winner and added an assist while leading the team with 27:31 of ice time. He was excellent.

Let’s focus on the physicality, though. Charlie McAvoy was a menace and hit everything he saw. He had a plethora of huge hits, but more importantly, he kept his opponents on the perimeter and didn’t allow anything easy in his 19:22 of ice time. He was a clear standout on the blue line for the Americans.

You can’t talk about the defense without mentioning the goaltending. Both netminders were fantastic in this one. Connor Hellebuyck stopped 28 of 29 shots for a .965 save percentage (SV%) in the win, while Jacob Markstrom stopped 37 of 39 shots for a .949 SV% in the loss. Markstrom was the busier netminder and he made some huge saves to keep Sweden at bay until they finally found their feet in the third period. Hellebuyck, however, was one save better. Team USA has the defense and goal-setting ability to win it all.

The US faced the toughest challenge

Of the four quarter-finals, this was the toughest match on paper. Sweden is no picnic, and as expected they gave Team USA all they could handle. Like Team Canada, USA cruised to a division victory, outscoring its opponents 16-5. Also, like Canada, they faced and overcame adversity in the quarterfinals. Setbacks are important in a short tournament because it makes you stronger. It pushes you to your limits and shows you how to play to be successful. That bodes well in the semifinals and in a potential gold medal match. They are one of the best teams in the tournament and they proved that in this tournament.

The semi-final is scheduled for Friday (February 20). Team Canada will face Finland, and Team USA will face Slovakia, with a spot in the gold medal match up for grabs. Keep following The hockey writers for all your Olympic coverage.