MILAN, Italy – The quarterfinal round of the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics delivered drama and upsets on Wednesday, February 18th, setting the stage for a compelling semifinal weekend. Canada and the United States both survived overtime tests, while Slovakia continued its surprising run through the tournament, and Finland saw its medal hopes dashed.
Canada – Czechia 4:3 OT
Canada, considered a tournament favorite, faced a stern challenge from the Czech Republic before prevailing 4-3 in overtime. Mitch Marner scored the decisive goal just 82 seconds into the extra period, sending Canada through to the semifinals. The victory wasn’t without a scare, however, as Canada lost captain Sidney Crosby to a lower-body injury during the second period after a hit from Radko Gudas, and he did not return to the game.
Macklin Celebrini opened the scoring for Canada with his fifth goal of the tournament, but the Czechs responded with goals from Lukas Sedlak and David Pastrnak before the end of the first period. Nathan MacKinnon tied the game at 2-2 in the second period, capitalizing on a Canadian power play, with Celebrini stepping into Crosby’s spot on the top power-play unit. The Czechs regained the lead through Ondrej Palat with seven minutes remaining in regulation, but Nick Suzuki answered with a clutch goal just three and a half minutes later to force overtime. Despite a controversial period where the Czechs appeared to play with six men on the ice for an extended time, Canada ultimately prevailed.
USA – Sweden 2:1 OT
The United States also needed overtime to overcome a determined Swedish side, winning 2-1. Dylan Larkin gave the Americans the lead with a deflection goal in the 32nd minute, a lead they held until the final minutes of regulation. Sweden, refusing to concede, pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker and Mika Zibanejad managed to tie the game with less than two minutes remaining.
The overtime period saw the Americans dominate possession, firing 40 shots on the Swedish net. Quinn Hughes ultimately secured the victory for the United States with a precise wrist shot in the 64th minute, sending the Americans into the semifinals. Swedish goalie Jacob Markström faced a barrage of shots throughout the game, ultimately unable to withstand the relentless American attack.
Slovakia – Germany 6:2
Slovakia continued its remarkable tournament run with a dominant 6-2 victory over Germany. Having surprisingly topped their group, which included Sweden and Finland, Slovakia showcased their offensive firepower against a German side led by NHL star Leon Draisaitl. Pavol Regenda opened the scoring for Slovakia, and a quick-fire triple from Milos Kelemen, Oliver Okuliar, and Dalibor Dvorsky in the second period effectively sealed the result.
Germany managed to pull one back through Lukas Reichel, but Regenda quickly restored Slovakia’s four-goal advantage. Frederik Tiffels scored a power-play goal for Germany in the third period, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Tomas Tatar scored into an empty net, securing a 6-2 win for Slovakia.
Switzerland Falls to Finland
While Canada, the USA, and Slovakia advanced, Switzerland’s Olympic journey came to an end with a heartbreaking overtime loss to Finland. Details of the game were not provided, but the result means Switzerland will not be competing for a medal.
Semifinal Matchups
The semifinal matchups are now set for Friday, February 20th. Canada will face Finland, while the United States will take on Slovakia. The schedule for the two semi-final games, including specific times, is yet to be confirmed.
These games promise to be thrilling contests, with all four remaining teams demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
