National pride has shown out at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
United States men’s hockey defenseman Quinn Hughes delivered a sensational overtime game-winner against Sweden, propelling Team USA to a 2-1 victory in the men’s hockey quarterfinals.
Hughes shot in overtime found the back of the net, hitting the inside of the post and crossing the line. It followed a tense battle where the Americans had missed their first five attempts in the extra frame.
The overtime period, by the way, had become necessary after Sweden’s Mika Zibanejad scored a goal for his club with just 91 seconds left in regulation. The Americans easily could have succumbed to the massive shift in momentum, but instead stood strong.
The clutch performance advanced Team USA to the semifinals and highlighted the resilience and determination that define American athletes on the global stage.
"Quinn Hughes shoots, HE SCORES! HE SCORES! QUINN HUGHES IN OVERTIME WINS IT! AND THE UNITED STATES WILL MOVE ON AND FACE SLOVAKIA IN THE SEMIS!"
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 18, 2026
Kenny Albert with the NBC call. 🏒🇺🇸🚨🎙️pic.twitter.com/cROidawlho
Quinn Hughes Declares America the Greatest Country in Olympic Hockey Win
Even beyond the awesomeness of the win, it was Hughes’ post-game comments that drew some much-welcomed attention. The hockey star couldn’t help but radiate patriotism.
“It’s special,” he said, indicating he was a big fan of the American flags waving in the arena and the fans’ boisterous chants of “U-S-A!”
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“I love the U.S., and it’s the greatest country in the world,” added Hughes. “So, I’m happy to represent here with these guys, and it was very special.”
His comments stand in stark contrast to the criticisms of other U.S. Olympians, such as Hunter Hess, Amber Glenn, and Mikaela Shiffrin.
It’s an honor to represent the stars and stripes. Hughes seems to recognize that honor.
Quinn Hughes scores winning OT goal says he loves representing the US because it’s the greatest country in the world. Finally, an Olympic athlete who loves the country! pic.twitter.com/yLyDOpBntE
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 19, 2026
With this hard-fought win under their belts, Team USA now advances to face Slovakia in the semifinals, while Canada prepares to take on Finland after their own overtime triumph.
Fans have been hailing Hughes as a true “American Hero.”
Teammate Brady Tkachuk echoed the team’s unified commitment to representing the nation with excellence prior to the team’s run.
“Being able to represent the U.S. at this stage in the Olympics is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had,” he told reporters during a training session, via KDSK-TV. “Truly grateful to be here and represent the red, white, and blue.”
This victory keeps the dream of Olympic gold alive and reinforces the proud legacy of American hockey.
Couldn't be more proud of the Minnesota Wild's own Quinn Hughes! All around phenomenal player and clearly proud to represent the greatest country on earth.
— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) February 19, 2026
Best of luck to Team USA in the semis. Make us proud! https://t.co/nWmCOvcNPk