In one of the most electrifying days of ice hockey in recent Olympic history, three of the four men’s hockey quarterfinal games at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan were decided in overtime, sending shockwaves across the hockey world and delivering edge-of-your-seat drama unparalleled at this stage of the Games.

What unfolded at the Milano Santagiulia and Milano Rho arenas on February 18, 2026, was more than just a series of elimination games — it was a testament to resilience, national pride, and the razor-thin margins that define elite international competition.

MORE: Sidney Crosby exits Olympic hockey game with scary injury

A Rare Olympic Phenomenon

Though overtime games are not uncommon in hockey tournaments, having three quarterfinal matchups all require extra time at the Olympics is extraordinary — especially at a stage when teams are typically more evenly matched and the stakes sky-high. Olympic quarterfinals employ a 10-minute 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime format, designed to produce decisive, high-tempo hockey before resorting to shootouts if necessary.

This format, with open ice and fewer players, often leads to wild finishes and dramatic momentum swings — and in Milan, it delivered precisely that.

Canada Survives Czechia in OT

Feb 18, 2026; Milan, Italy; Mitch Marner of Canada celebrates with Thomas Harley after scoring their fourth and game-winning goal against Czechia in a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Canada, one of the most decorated nations in Olympic hockey history, survived a furious challenge from Czechia, prevailing 4–3 in overtime. The game was a roller coaster: Canada trailed late in the third period before storming back to force extra time. Veteran forward Mitch Marner delivered the decisive strike early in OT, sending the Canadians into the semifinals and preserving their bid for another medal.

Canada’s victory was not just dramatic — it underscored the depth and never-quit character of a squad carrying rich Olympic tradition and expectation.

Finland’s Comeback OT Win Over Switzerland

Feb 18, 2026; Milan, Italy; Artturi Lehkonen of Finland celebrates scoring their third goal in overtime to win the match against Switzerland in a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

In perhaps the most emotional quarterfinal, reigning Olympic champions Finland mounted a stunning comeback against Switzerland.

After falling behind 2–0, Finland battled back to tie the game late and then needed overtime to finally break through. Artturi Lehkonen emerged as the hero, burying the winner in extra time to send Finland into the final four and ignite celebrations among Finnish fans.

This victory showcased the champions’ grit — refusing to fold and instead seizing momentum when it mattered most.

USA Edges Sweden on Quinn Hughes OT Strike

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 18, 2026; Milan, Italy; Quinn Hughes (43) of the United States celebrates with Matt Boldy (12) of the United States after scoring the winning goal in overtime against Sweden in a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marton Monus/Reuters via Imagn Images

Perhaps the most iconic moment of the night came in the United States game against Sweden. Tied after regulation, the contest saw both teams trade chances in overtime until Quinn Hughes unleashed a rocket that beat Swedish goaltender Jacob Markström, giving the USA a 2–1 extra-time win and a spot in the semifinals.

The goal — and the resulting jubilation — was emblematic of America’s resilience and hunger for its first Olympic men’s hockey gold since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

OLYMPICS: USA figure skater Isabeau Levito gushes over Olympic Village

NFL: Tyreek Hill makes hilarious first move after Dolphins release

CBB: 2026 college basketball rankings, updated AP Top 25 after Week 15

MLB: Tigers infielder from Taiwan apologizes to Koreans after trash talk goes viral

SPORTS MEDIA: College Hall of Famer, father of Chicago Bulls coach, dies

VIRAL: Chloe Kim ‘obsessed’ with $100k gift from NFL star Myles Garrett after Olympics