The quarterfinal round of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament brought enthralling finishes and dramatic twists, improving the medal outlook for the favourites while offering hope and heartbreak for the rest. Defending powers leaned on star talent and depth, while emerging contenders showed grit and resilience.
Here is a full recap of all four quarterfinal games from Wednesday’s action.
Olympics: Quarterfinals (Feb. 18)
Canada vs. Czechia – 4–3 OT
In one of the most dramatic games of the tournament so far, Canada edged Czechia in overtime after a back-and-forth contest that saw three lead changes and a narrow escape for the top seed. Canada trailed late in the third period before Nick Suzuki tied it with under four minutes remaining, setting up for Mitch Marner to score the game-winner just 1:22 into the three-on-three OT session.
Canada opened the scoring and got early chances from its star forwards but found itself in a dogfight as Czechia countered with opportunistic goals that included strong individual efforts. Late regulation pressure and a clutch Suzuki goal kept Canada’s Olympic hopes alive.
Positive (Canada): The team’s resilience and depth showed when it mattered most, mounting a comeback on the biggest stage.
Negative (Canada): Losing captain Sidney Crosby to injury early in the game raises concerns about depth and leadership moving forward.
Positive (Czechia): Competed well and forced overtime through disciplined play.
Negative (Czechia): Unable to close out strong leads late — a missed opportunity to make history.
United States vs. Sweden – 2–1 OT
The United States advanced to the semifinals in a tense quarterfinal that also needed extra time to decide a winner. After regulation ended tied, U.S. defenseman Quinn Hughes scored the decisive goal in overtime to lift his squad over Sweden in a 2–1 result.
Dylan Larkin opened the scoring early for the U.S. on a deflected shot, but Sweden fought back late, tying the score and setting the stage for overtime drama. In the extra session, the U.S. made the most of its chance, with Hughes capitalizing on a breakdown to send his team to the final four.
Positive (USA): Go-ahead goals from key offensive stars and clutch contributions in OT.
Negative (USA): Tallied just one goal in regulation — offence will need to be sharper against elite defences.
Positive (Sweden): Stayed composed and battled back in a tight game.
Negative (Sweden): Could not find the late push needed to take control in overtime.
Finland vs. Switzerland – 3–2 OT
Finland played its way into the semifinals with a thrilling overtime victory against Switzerland. Trailing late in the third, Finland rallied behind late scores to force extra time — and then Artturi Lehkonen delivered the OT winner.
Switzerland had built a lead in the early stages but saw it slip away as Finnish attackers found momentum. Finland’s depth and late urgency proved decisive, punching their ticket to the next round.
Positive (Finland): Clutch scoring when it mattered and a never-give-up mentality.
Negative (Finland): Allowed too many opportunities early to Switzerland.
Positive (Switzerland): Built a promising lead before struggling to finish.
Negative (Switzerland): Could not hold momentum late in regulation or in overtime.
Slovakia vs. Germany – 6–2
Slovakia advanced with a commanding win over Germany, the only quarterfinal that did not require extra time. Slovakia’s attack was sharp throughout, overwhelming Germany with a balanced offensive attack and strong transition play.
The six-goal performance stood out as one of the most decisive results of the round, showcasing Slovakia’s ability to dominate against high-level competition.
Positive (Slovakia): Potent offence and consistent pressure throughout.
Negative (Slovakia): Defensive gaps at times could be exposed against top foes.
Positive (Germany): Competed in spurts and created chances.
Negative (Germany): Couldn’t match Slovakia’s pace or scoring efficiency.
Looking ahead
With the quarterfinals complete, the final four teams — Canada, United States, Finland, and Slovakia — make for a compelling semifinal slate. Canada’s resilience and depth will be tested against a dangerous Finnish squad, while the U.S. and Slovakia meet in what promises to be another tight matchup.
All four quarterfinal games showed that overtime hockey and clutch moments are defining this Olympics, where the margins between glory and elimination continue to shrink.
As the tournament heads toward the semifinals and medal games, expect star talent to rise and for every minute of ice time to count. The path to gold in Milano Cortina has never felt tighter or more dramatic.
