Thrilling Quarterfinal Round Sees Three Bolts Advance; Four Eliminated

Graphic: Mike Smith | Thunderstruck Sports

By Mike Smith | Thunderstruck Sports

The Men's Olympic Hockey Quarterfinal Round dazzled and entertained the hockey world on Wednesday. Spectacular play, comebacks, and overtime thrillers brought the fans of four teams to their feet, and drew the angst of those on the losing side.

Three members of the Tampa Bay Lightning move on to the semifinals on Friday. Four Bolts are headed home after one of the best days of international hockey in recent memory.

Guentzel, Team USA Survive Swedish Comeback Attempt

Lightning forward Jake Guentzel and Team USA survived a frantic late comeback when Quinn Hughes netted the game-winning goal in overtime, 2-1. The United States led the entire game until Swedish forward Mika Zibanejad scored the equalizer with 1:31 remaining in the third period.

The win was the first over Sweden since the United States' gold medal run in 1960.

Guentzel was held scoreless on two shots and denied by goalie Jacob Markstrom in overtime.

Pontus Holmberg and Bolt captain Victor Hedman are headed back to Tampa after the loss. Holmberg didn't record a shot in 9:36 of ice time and had a rating of -1. Hedman suffered an injury in pregame warmups and was a last-minute scratch. He did support the team on the bench throughout the game.

Guentzel and Team USA face Erik Cernak and Slovakia in Friday's semifinal.

Hagel, Canada Rally Past Czechia To Advance

Team Canada rallied down by one to beat Czechia and advance to the Semifinal Round, 4-3. Mitch Marner scored the game-winning goal in overtime to complete the comeback.

Lightning fan-favorite Brandon Hagel made a crucial play that helped draw Canada even late in the game. Hagel provided a high screen that allowed Nick Suzuki to score the equalizing goal with 3:27 left to play in the third period.

Hagel logged 12:13 of ice time for Team Canada.

Team Canada, led by Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper, will play Finland in Friday's Semifinal.

Cernak, Slovakia Cruise Past Germany

Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak had an assist late in the first period to start the scoring for Team Slovakia in their 6-2 win over Bolts prospect Wojciech Stachowiak and Germany. Slovakia jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Germany would finally score.

Cernak, Slovakia's Alternate Captain, recorded 21:55 of ice time for the team. He continues to anchor the surprising Slovakian defense, ready to challenge Team USA's quest for gold on Friday.

Moser, Switzerland Ousted By Finnish Comeback

Artturi Lehkonen scored a breakaway goal 3:23 into overtime to power Finland past Switzerland, 3-2. Finland was down 2-0 with six minutes left to play when Sebastian Aho and Miro Heiskanen scored to send the game to extra time. Heiskanen's goal came with 1:12 left to play in regulation.

The stunning victory for Finland ended Lightning defenseman JJ Moser's and Team Switzerland's dreams for an Olympic medal. Moser tied for the team lead in points with four assists, including two key assists in their win against Czechia in round play.