'Just Relief,' Quinn Hughes Reacts to Game-Winning Goal for USA vs. Sweden in Olympics

United States defenseman Quinn Hughes is relieved that his overtime goal in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Sweden in the quarterfinals of the men's hockey tournament means his 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics aren't over.

"Just relief," he said when asked what he felt when his shot found the back of the net, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

"Really enjoying wearing the crest and playing with the superstars that we have on our team. Getting to know these guys. The village. All of it. You just want to extend it as long as you can."

The Americans largely controlled play in the three-on-three overtime period, but all that mattered was finding the net before Sweden did in the golden-goal situation. Hughes did just that and surely provided relief to his entire team and United States fans watching on the other side of the world.

It was the third men's hockey game that went into overtime Wednesday, as Canada also needed an extra period to advance past Czechia before Finland prevailed over Switzerland.

Many likely presumed the United States and Canada would face each other in the gold-medal game, but both of their Olympics were hanging in the balance Wednesday. That it was a defenseman in Hughes who propelled the Red, White and Blue to victory felt fitting, as it was a defensive battle throughout the matchup with Sweden.

He assisted on the Americans' first goal, which came when Dylan Larkin scored in the second period.

It seemed like 1-0 might be the final score, but Sweden's offensive pressure finally broke through late in regulation when Mika Zibanejad scored in the final two minutes.

Yet the United States displayed its resiliency after giving up the tying goal and dictated the pace of play in the extra period. Sweden couldn't generate any dangerous offensive chances, and Hughes took advantage with the winner.

And that means he can continue enjoying his Olympics.