Quinn Hughes' game-winner should have Sweden 'seeing ghosts'

Quinn Hughes of United States. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Team USA star Quinn Hughes' clutch OT game-winner should have Sweden 'seeing ghosts'

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 7:21 PM ET

During the Milan Cortina Olympics, Team USA defenseman Quinn Hughes has gone viral for his blank stares. It has left many fans wondering if he's witnessing a phantom.

The Minnesota Wild star has seen the memes and has had a good sense of humor about them.

"Sometimes you hear some funny stuff out there, but yeah ... as the people say, I'm usually seeing ghosts, so I'm usually focused on myself," Hughes said this past Sunday, via Matt Porter of The Boston Globe.

Hughes' ability to zone out proved pivotal in Team USA's quarterfinal matchup against Sweden on Wednesday. Without it, the Americans may have blown their chances at their first gold medal in men's hockey since 1980.

Quinn Hughes came in clutch at the Olympic quarterfinal

The Americans led the Swedes 1-0 throughout most of the game after center Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings) scored 11:03 into the second period. Near the end of the game, though, Team USA nearly folded.

Swedish center Mika Zibanejad (New York Rangers) scored 18:29 into the third period on a slap shot. That sent the game into overtime.

SWEDEN TIES IT! MIKA ZIBANEJAD! pic.twitter.com/XXzJNfWZur
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

The game remained a 1-1 tie for just over the first seven minutes of overtime until Hughes delivered. The stone-faced defenseman glided toward the middle of the attacking zone before nailing a quick shot and sealing a 2-1 win for the United States.

Hughes finally showed emotion after scoring the clutch goal. Teammates also bombarded him.

QUINN HUGHES CALLED GAME. #WinterOlympics

@Peacock & @NBC pic.twitter.com/rkM0rZJimz
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 18, 2026

It should be unsurprising the stoic defenseman stepped up in a big moment. Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan called Hughes one of the squad's impact players heading into the Olympics.

"I think he's a game-changer," Sullivan said of Hughes, via The Athletic's Michael Russo.

"He is, whether it be with our transition game or jumping off the offensive blue line, a unique player. To have him as part of the group this year, I think, is a huge boost for us," Sullivan added.

The Americans may need Hughes to keep lifting the team in its semifinal matchup against Slovakia on Friday. While he often spaces out, at least teammates know he's not seeing anything paranormal.

The same can't be said for the Swedes. Hughes' winning goal may haunt them for years to come.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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