MILAN — Quinn Hughes waited a year for his shot at Olympic glory. On Wednesday, the Vancouver Canucks defenseman delivered in sudden-death overtime.

With Team USA desperate to avoid elimination, Hughes took a pass along the boards in the quarterfinals against Sweden. He slid the puck to center ice and ripped a wrist shot that rang off the left post and past goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. The 2-1 win advances the Americans to face Slovakia on Friday.

“I’m here this time,” Hughes said after the game.

Twelve months earlier, an injury sidelined Hughes from the 4 Nations Face-Off. He watched from home as Team USA lost to Canada in the final. U.S. coach Mike Sullivan kept in touch throughout that tournament, promising Hughes a spot with the Olympic squad.

“There would be a time,” Sullivan said, “that he would join the group.”

That moment came at a critical juncture. Team USA entered the Olympics with nearly the same roster from last year’s event. Hughes, who leads the NHL in average ice time at 25:32 per game, became the key addition. His presence kept the Americans alive.

Hughes already had six points, tied for the team lead. He assisted on the U.S. opener Wednesday, a power-play goal by Matt Boldy that stood as the difference until Sweden’s William Nylander tied it with 91 seconds left in regulation.

Forward Dylan Larkin called the end of regulation the most nerve-wracking moment of his career. “As nervous as I’ve been ever in a hockey game,” Larkin said. The stakes were sky-high. Players have said openly that anything less than gold — the first since the 1980 Miracle on Ice — counts as failure.

Overtime brought 3-on-3 chaos, wide-open ice where speed and skill rule. Hughes thrives there. The 26-year-old captain dazzles with elusive skating and puck control. Teammates knew exactly what to do.

“Get it to Quinn,” said winger Matt Boldy, Hughes’ Minnesota Wild teammate.

Hughes logged over two minutes of the 3½-minute overtime. Moments before his goal, coaches called for a line change. He waved it off and stayed on. Seconds later, he buried the winner.

The U.S. roster blends NHL stars like Larkin, Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel with Hughes anchoring the blue line. Sweden pushed hard, outshooting the Americans 35-28. Wallstedt stopped 27 shots, but couldn’t deny Hughes’ shot from the slot.

Team USA finished the quarterfinals with flawless execution in clutch moments. Hughes’ goal capped a comeback from last year’s disappointment. Now, semifinals loom. Slovakia awaits after upsetting Canada.

Hughes downplayed the heroics. Focus shifts quickly. Gold remains the goal. Sullivan praised his star defenseman’s poise under pressure. The coach sees more big moments ahead.

For Hughes, redemption feels complete — at least for now. The Vancouver captain, in his Olympic debut, proved why he’s among the NHL’s elite. Team USA marches on.