Although it wasn't pretty, the men's hockey team for the United States survived an overtime scare against Sweden on Wednesday.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes was the hero for Team USA, scoring a game-winning goal in overtime to secure a 2-1 win over Sweden. There were plenty of nerves entering overtime, especially after Team USA surrendered a game-tying goal to Sweden with 91 seconds left in regulation.
After Hughes lifted Team USA to a quarterfinal victory, he made a strong declaration about his country.
"I love the United States, and it's the greatest country in the world," Hughes said. "So, I'm happy to represent here with these guys, and it was very special."
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.
Next up for Team USA.
On Friday, the United States will take on Slovakia in the semifinal. The winner of that game will take on either Canada or Finland in the final.
"It's gonna be an extremely hard test," Hughes said of Slovakia. "They've been rolling. They're competitive. They're fast. Doesn't matter how many superstars you have, just the desperation level's so high. It's Game 7 every night now."
If Team USA advances to the final, President Donald Trump is expected to attend the gold medal game.
“The report claims local police have already started to put security plans in place for the president’s potential arrival,” Daily Mail wrote. “Trump’s visit will be fleeting and it’s claimed he would go straight from Air Force One to the hockey arena and then make an appearance at Sunday’s closing ceremony. He would then immediately depart Italy without an overnight stay or any meetings.”
Friday's semifinal is set to take place at 3:10 p.m. ET. It'll be televised on NBC.