Quinn Hughes Hails America as “Greatest” Country in the World Following Historic OT Winner Against Sweden

Quinn Hughes scored a dramatic overtime winner against Sweden and helped his side reach the semi-finals of the Winter Olympics.

Quinn Hughes Hails America as “Greatest” Country in the World Following Historic OT Winner Against Sweden

Quinn Hughes (Image via X/@NHL)

On Wednesday, Team USA booked their place in the semi-finals of the ice hockey event during the Winter Olympics through an overtime winner from Quinn Hughes. Following their win, the NHLer hailed America and called it the “greatest” country in the world.

Team USA finished top of their group without any major hiccups. They first crushed Latvia 5-1 before winning 6-3 against Denmark and then toppling Germany 5-1. As the top-seeded team in the group, they earned a bye and booked their place directly into the quarter-finals.

They locked horns with Sweden on Wednesday. At the 4 Nations Face-Off last year, the European side had defeated America 2-1 at the TD Garden in Boston. Hughes was not a part of his side back then.

After a goalless first period, the Americans struck first through Dylan Larkin. The Detroit Red Wings captain would put his country in front in the second period. Hughes would get the assist alongside his brother, Jack.

With less than 2 minutes remaining, Sweden levelled the game through Mika Zibanejad. The goal from the New York Rangers star saw the game end 1-1 after three periods and forced overtime.

In this period, Hughes stepped up. The 2024 Norris Trophy winner would slam home the overtime winner to clinch a historic 2-1 win for the United States.

This win was a special one for them. It marked their first victory over Sweden in the Olympics Games since 1960.

After the game, Hughes would speak highly of his country. He claimed he loved representing his country.

It’s special. It’s the greatest country in the world. I’m happy to represent it here with these guys.

Quinn Hughes said after the win

These comments from Hughes come at a time when some USA Athletes have made some bold words regarding their country. After the opening ceremony of the Winter Games, Skiing star Hunter Hess claimed he was having mixed emotions representing the US while pointing out the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shootings in America.

It brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now I think... Just cause I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US.

Hunter Hess said

In January, the ICE agents gunned down two people, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. Their deaths sparked a major uproar online, with many condemning the actions of the agency.

A few days after his comments, U.S. President Donald Trump would slam him and call him a “real loser.” The Olympian then responded to this and claimed that he loved his country.

Quinn Hughes and USA one step closer to first Olympic Gold since 1980

Quinn Hughes‘ overtime winner against Sweden saw Team USA reach the semi-finals of the Winter Olympics. With that win, they are one step closer to their first Olympic Gold medal in ice hockey since 1980.

Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy
Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy (Image via X/@usahockey)

In ice hockey, Canada has been the dominant side. With 16 medals, which includes 9 golds, they have the highest medal tally in this event.

The United America, on the other hand, have only won 2 golds with their last one coming in 1980. That year, they took down the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and then Finland to claim gold.

This year, Hughes and his team are looking to break a 46-year drought and bring home Olympic gold in ice hockey. Last year, the U.S. suffered a crushing 3-2 overtime defeat against Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, the first best-on-best international event in 9 years.

They will now face Slovakia in the semi-finals on Friday. That same day, Canada will take on Finland. The winners of the two semi-finals will then take part in the gold medal game on the final day of the Games on 22nd February.

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