The global hockey spotlight turned to Italy on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics delivered a dramatic day of men’s ice hockey quarterfinal action. Four intense matchups determined the semifinal field, and for fans across the Garden State, the story was clear: New Jersey Devils players were everywhere—impacting outcomes, shaping momentum, and defining the tournament’s most pivotal moments.
From overtime thrillers to dominant victories, Olympic hockey once again demonstrated why it remains one of the sport’s most electrifying stages. For New Jersey hockey followers tracking international competition, the day showcased elite Devils talent competing at the highest level while setting up a compelling semifinal showdown between Team USA and Slovakia.
Olympic Quarterfinal Results: February 18, 2026
The quarterfinal round featured four tightly contested games that delivered both high-scoring drama and sudden-death intensity.
Slovakia 6, Germany 2
Slovakia dominated from the opening faceoff, overwhelming Germany with offensive pressure and defensive structure. The convincing victory secured Slovakia’s place in the semifinals and reinforced their emergence as a tournament powerhouse.
Canada 4, Czechia 3 (OT)
Canada survived a tense overtime battle after a dramatic game-winning goal early in the extra session. The contest also delivered a major storyline as Canadian captain Sidney Crosby exited in the second period with a lower-body injury, creating uncertainty moving forward.
Finland 3, Switzerland 2 (OT)
Finland erased a late deficit before securing the win in 3-on-3 overtime, demonstrating resilience and elite execution under pressure.
USA 2, Sweden 1 (OT)
The United States remained undefeated, winning another dramatic overtime decision. Quinn Hughes delivered the decisive goal after Dylan Larkin opened the scoring earlier in the contest.
The results set the semifinal matchups for Friday, February 20:
- Canada vs. Finland — 10:40 a.m. ET
- USA vs. Slovakia — 3:10 p.m. ET
While the men’s tournament surges forward, the women’s competition is approaching its conclusion, with Canada and the United States preparing to meet in the gold medal game.
New Jersey Devils Shine on the Olympic Stage
For New Jersey hockey fans, the quarterfinal round served as a powerful reminder of the Devils’ global influence. Seven New Jersey players participated in Wednesday’s action, with several directly shaping their teams’ fortunes.
Jack Hughes Powers Team USA
Jack Hughes continues to demonstrate why he remains one of hockey’s most dynamic offensive creators. Skating in a high-tempo American lineup, Hughes recorded a primary assist on Dylan Larkin’s opening goal against Sweden and consistently generated scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Despite being listed on the fourth line, Hughes plays significant power-play minutes and drives offensive transition, using speed and elite puck control to pressure opposing defenses. His playmaking presence helped propel Team USA into the semifinals and positioned him as a central figure in the upcoming clash with Slovakia.
For New Jersey supporters, Hughes’ Olympic performance reflects the same electrifying skill set that has made him a franchise cornerstone in the NHL.
Simon Nemec Anchors Slovakia’s Dominant Defense
Simon Nemec delivered another elite defensive performance, logging over 21 minutes of ice time in Slovakia’s decisive 6–2 victory over Germany. Serving as a primary defensive anchor, Nemec helped neutralize Germany’s offensive attack while contributing to Slovakia’s transition game.
His impact extends beyond traditional defensive metrics. Nemec currently leads all defensemen in scoring chance contributions in the tournament—an indicator of his two-way influence and hockey intelligence.
Slovakia’s defensive structure relies heavily on Nemec’s positioning, puck movement, and situational awareness, making him one of the tournament’s most valuable blueliners.
Devils Players Eliminated in Overtime Heartbreak
While Hughes and Nemec advanced, several Devils players saw their Olympic journeys end in dramatic fashion.
- Jesper Bratt and Jacob Markström (Sweden) were eliminated in Sweden’s overtime loss to the United States. Markström delivered a standout performance with 32 saves, repeatedly denying American scoring chances before the deciding goal.
- Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jonas Siegenthaler (Switzerland) were eliminated after Switzerland’s overtime defeat against Finland. Hischier finished the tournament with four points in four games, highlighting his consistent offensive production.
Even in elimination, Devils players left a significant mark on the competition, reinforcing the organization’s deep international talent pool.
Philadelphia Flyers Face Tournament Exit
It was a difficult day for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Olympic representatives, as their medal hopes were largely extinguished in the quarterfinal round.
- Travis Sanheim (Canada) logged heavy minutes but saw Canada eliminated in overtime.
- Rasmus Ristolainen (Finland) contributed physical defensive play in Finland’s victory and remains the lone Flyers player still active.
- Dan Vladar (Czechia) dressed as backup goaltender and advances to the semifinals despite not seeing action.
For regional hockey audiences, the contrast between Devils advancement and Flyers elimination added another compelling chapter to the ongoing New Jersey–Philadelphia rivalry narrative.
USA vs. Slovakia: A Semifinal With Major New Jersey Implications
Friday’s semifinal between the United States and Slovakia carries enormous significance—not only for Olympic medals but for New Jersey hockey fans tracking a compelling head-to-head battle between Devils teammates.
The “Devils Duel”: Hughes vs. Nemec
The matchup features a fascinating internal rivalry:
- Jack Hughes driving Team USA’s offensive tempo
- Simon Nemec anchoring Slovakia’s defensive structure
Their direct on-ice confrontations—particularly during power-play situations—could determine the outcome of the game. Hughes’ speed and creativity against Nemec’s defensive discipline represents one of the tournament’s most compelling tactical storylines.
Team USA Expected Lineup Structure
Team USA enters the semifinal with established chemistry across its forward lines.
Projected Forward Lines
- Brady Tkachuk — Jack Eichel — Matthew Tkachuk
- Jake Guentzel — Auston Matthews — Matt Boldy
- Kyle Connor — Dylan Larkin — Tage Thompson
- J.T. Miller — Brock Nelson — Jack Hughes
Defense Pairings
- Quinn Hughes — Charlie McAvoy
- Jaccob Slavin — Brock Faber
- Noah Hanifin — Zach Werenski
Goaltending
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to start.
The Americans’ depth, speed, and structured defensive play have driven their undefeated record entering the semifinal.
Slovakia’s Tactical Approach
Slovakia relies heavily on top-line production and strong defensive play, with Nemec serving as a key pillar of their strategy.
Projected Slovak Lineup Highlights
- Juraj Slafkovský leading the offensive attack
- Tomáš Tatar providing veteran scoring presence
- Simon Nemec playing top defensive minutes
- Stanislav Škorvánek expected to start in goal
Slovakia’s success has been built on disciplined team defense, opportunistic scoring, and heavy reliance on its star players.
Olympic Hockey’s Impact on New Jersey’s Hockey Culture
The Devils’ strong Olympic presence reflects the organization’s ongoing evolution into a global talent pipeline. For New Jersey’s hockey community—from youth programs to professional ranks—international success reinforces the region’s growing influence on the sport.
Olympic exposure also benefits NHL franchises by:
- Elevating player development and confidence
- Increasing global visibility for teams
- Strengthening fan engagement
- Highlighting organizational depth
For Explore New Jersey readers, the tournament offers a unique opportunity to witness Devils players competing at hockey’s highest international level.
What Comes Next at Milano Cortina
The semifinal round promises elite competition, high drama, and significant stakes for New Jersey-connected players.
The United States and Slovakia will face off Friday at 3:10 p.m. ET in a game that could define the Olympic tournament’s trajectory. With Hughes and Nemec positioned as central figures, the matchup represents not just an international battle—but a showcase of New Jersey’s impact on the global hockey stage.
As the Olympic tournament advances toward medal rounds, New Jersey fans will continue watching closely, following their players’ pursuit of international glory while celebrating the growing influence of Garden State hockey on the world stage.
For continuing coverage, player analysis, and in-depth hockey features, visit Explore New Jersey Hockey, your home for comprehensive New Jersey hockey reporting.
