Quinn Hughes scored the game-winning goal 3:27 into overtime, lifting Team USA’s men’s hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Sweden on Wednesday and securing their place in the semifinals at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.
It was a tense matchup for Team USA, who narrowly avoided elimination after Sweden tied the game late in the third period, forcing overtime. Hughes’ clutch goal at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena preserved the Americans’ unbeaten record in the tournament and set up a semifinal showdown with Slovakia on Friday.
The win also keeps alive the possibility of a presidential visit, as reports indicate that Donald Trump has tentatively planned a short trip to Milan if Team USA reaches Sunday’s gold medal game. Italian security officials have reportedly begun preliminary preparations for the potential visit, which could include attendance at the championship game and the Closing Ceremonies in Verona.
Meanwhile, Team USA’s standout figure skater Isabeau Levito has captured attention after turning from a viral “don’t evict me” moment into a long-shot Olympic medal contender following a challenging reality check.
President Trump has yet to attend any events at the 2026 Winter Games, though Vice President J.D. Vance has been spotted at competitions, receiving boos from spectators during the luge events. Vance joins a long list of U.S. political figures who have attended the Olympics, including Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan, who made history by opening the 1984 Games.
Looking ahead, Team USA must get past Slovakia in the semifinals before any potential interaction with Trump. Notably, Florida Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup champions have already visited the White House this season. During that ceremony, assistant captain Matthew Tkachuk praised the president, calling the experience “pretty amazing” and emphasizing his pride in being an American.
On the ice, Tkachuk is serving as an alternate captain for Team USA alongside Charlie McAvoy, under the leadership of superstar Auston Matthews. Matthews leads the team with five assists in Olympic play but has largely stayed out of political discussions, declining to comment when asked about Canadians booing the National Anthem at NHL games.
Current projections suggest the gold medal match will likely feature Team USA and Team Canada, with Canada appearing as the slight favorite to take home the championship.
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