Quinn Hughes scores in OT as United States squeeze past Sweden into semifinals

Defenceman Quinn Hughes blasted in an overtime winner to send the United States past Sweden 2-1 in the men's Olympic ice hockey quarter-final on Wednesday, ‌setting up a meeting with the tournament darlings Slovakia in the final four.

Hughes delivered the decisive blow with a remorseless slap shot from the slot, crushing the Swedish hopes to ​cap a tense and tightly fought affair ​at Santagiulia Arena.

Sweden were among the favourites to challenge United States and Canada for the top of the podium ​but were drawn into a tricky quarterfinal after finishing a ⁠surprise third in ⁠their group and will leave Milan ‌empty-handed.

Hughes set up the opening score in the second period, getting hold of the puck and flipping it straight to his younger brother, Jack. The 24-year-old forward rifled it at the ⁠net, where Dylan Larkin's stick was waiting to direct it in.

Quinn Hughes sends United States to the semis with OT winner over Sweden

The Americans appeared to have the win within their reach when Sweden's Mika Zibanejad ‌ripped one into the net with just 91 seconds left in regulation, and his New York Rangers coach Mike Sullivan – who is at the helm for the United States – could only watch ​on helplessly from behind the Americans' bench.

Fans were urging on their players' every move as ⁠the U.S. piled on the pressure in overtime. Hughes' team mates sprinted ⁠onto the ice and jumped on top of each other in a ⁠heap ⁠of celebration after he ​sent the winner in to end the nailbiter.

The game capped a riveting ​men's ice hockey ⁠quarter-final round in Milan, where Finland beat Switzerland and Canada topped the Czechia with both contests decided in overtime.

Finland will play Canada in the other semi-final. Slovakia earlier