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PHOTOS: Team USA men battle with Slovakia in Olympic quarterfinal game that ends in shootout

The U.S. appeared to have locked up a semifinal spot in regulation leading 2-1 until Slovakia pulled Rybar for an extra attacker and were rewarded with the equalizer from captain Marek Hrivik with 46 seconds remaining to force overtime.

February 16, 2022 at 12:38 PM
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BEIJING, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Slovakia claimed a shock shootout win over the United States to reach the semi-finals of the men's ice hockey tournament at the Beijing Games on Wednesday to set up a chance of claiming the country's first ever Olympic medal in the sport.

Peter Cehlarik clinched the victory as the only skater to score in the nail-biting shootout by beating U.S. netminder Strauss Mann after overtime ended with the score tied at 2-2.

After Cehlarik scored the U.S. had one last chance to extend the shootout but captain Andy Miele could not beat netminder Patrik Rybar and the Slovakia bench erupted in wild celebration.

The U.S. appeared to have locked up a semi-final spot in regulation leading 2-1 until Slovakia pulled Rybar for an extra attacker and were rewarded with the equaliser from captain Marek Hrivik with 46 seconds remaining to force overtime.

Reporting by Steve Keating / Reuters

Ice Hockey - Men's Play-offs Quarterfinals - United States v Slovakia
A look at the backside of the helmet of Strauss Mann
A look at the backside of the helmet of Strauss Mann, a goaltender for Team USA, during the quarterfinal game against Slovakia at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Brian Snyder / Reuters
Matt Knies (67) of Team USA shoots the puck against Slovakia
Matt Knies (67) of Team USA shoots the puck against Slovakia
Matt Knies (67) of Team USA shoots the puck against Slovakia defender Samuel Knazko (22) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
George Walker IV / USA TODAY Sports
Patrik Rybar of Slovakia in action as Matty Berniers of Team USA attempts to score
Patrik Rybar of Slovakia in action as Matty Berniers of Team USA attempts to score
Patrik Rybar of Slovakia in action as Matty Berniers of Team USA attempts to score during the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Carlos Perez Gallardo / Reuters
Brendan Brisson of the United States misses during a penalty shootout
Brendan Brisson of the United States misses during a penalty shootout
Brendan Brisson of the United States misses during a penalty shootout in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium..
Carlos Perez Gallardo / Reuters
Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) makes a save against forward Nathan Smith (13) of Team USA
Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) makes a save against forward Nathan Smith (13) of Team USA
Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) makes a save against forward Nathan Smith (13) of Team USA during the penalty shoot out in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Matt Knies of the United States in action with Patrik Ryvar of Slovakia
Matt Knies of the United States in action with Patrik Ryvar of Slovakia
Matt Knies of the United States in action with Patrik Ryvar of Slovakia in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Carlos Perez Gallardo / Reuters
U.S. forward Matt Knies (67) looks to pass the puck against Slovakia forward Milos Kelemen
U.S. forward Matt Knies (67) looks to pass the puck against Slovakia forward Milos Kelemen
U.S. forward Matt Knies (67) looks to pass the puck against Slovakia forward Milos Kelemen (12) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
George Walker IV / USA TODAY Sports
U.S. forward Sam Hentges (12) celebrates scoring goal against Slovakia in the Olympics
U.S. forward Sam Hentges (12) celebrates scoring goal against Slovakia in the Olympics
U.S. forward Sam Hentges (12) celebrates scoring goal against Slovakia in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Brendan Brisson (19) shoots the puck for Team USA against Slovakia
Brendan Brisson (19) shoots the puck for Team USA against Slovakia
Brendan Brisson (19) shoots the puck for Team USA against Slovakia defender Peter Ceresnak (14) in the men's ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Forward Nathan Smith (13) moves the puck for Team USA against Slovakia defender Peter Ceresnak
Forward Nathan Smith (13) moves the puck for Team USA against Slovakia defender Peter Ceresnak
Forward Nathan Smith (13) moves the puck for Team USA against Slovakia defender Peter Ceresnak (14) in the men's ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Matt Knies (67) reacts after being hit in the face against Slovakia
Matt Knies (67) reacts after being hit in the face against Slovakia
Matt Knies (67) reacts after being hit in the face against Slovakia in the men's ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Team USA forward Matt Knies (67) and Slovakia defender Martin Marincin (52) go for the puck
Team USA forward Matt Knies (67) and Slovakia defender Martin Marincin (52) go for the puck
Team USA forward Matt Knies (67) and Slovakia defender Martin Marincin (52) go for the puck in the men's ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) makes a save against Slovakia
U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) makes a save against Slovakia
U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) makes a save against Slovakia forward Peter Cehlarik (34) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Matty Beniers (10) of Team USA skates with the puck against Slovakia
Matty Beniers (10) of Team USA skates with the puck against Slovakia
Matty Beniers (10) of Team USA skates with the puck against Slovakia defender Martin Marincin (52) and Slovakia forward Peter Cehlarik (34) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Slovakia forward Kristian Pospisil (88) and United States forward Noah Cates (27) battle for the puck
Slovakia forward Kristian Pospisil (88) and United States forward Noah Cates (27) battle for the puck
Slovakia forward Kristian Pospisil (88) and United States forward Noah Cates (27) battle for the puck in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Forward Sam Hentges (12) of Team USA scores a goal against Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar
Forward Sam Hentges (12) of Team USA scores a goal against Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar
Forward Sam Hentges (12) of Team USA scores a goal against Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Forward Nathan Smith (13) of Team USA shoots the puck against Slovakia
Forward Nathan Smith (13) of Team USA shoots the puck against Slovakia
Forward Nathan Smith (13) of Team USA shoots the puck against Slovakia in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
George Walker IV / USA TODAY Sports
U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) makes a save against Slovakia
U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) makes a save against Slovakia
U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) makes a save against Slovakia in the men's ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
U.S. forward Nathan Smith (13) moves the puck against Slovakia
U.S. forward Nathan Smith (13) moves the puck against Slovakia
U.S. forward Nathan Smith (13) moves the puck against Slovakia defender Peter Ceresnak (14) in the men's ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Libor Hudacek of Slovakia skates toward the U.S. goal as Brian Cooper and goaltender Strauss Mann defend
Libor Hudacek of Slovakia skates toward the U.S. goal as Brian Cooper and goaltender Strauss Mann defend
Libor Hudacek of Slovakia skates toward the U.S. goal as Brian Cooper and goaltender Strauss Mann defend during the 2022 Beijing Olympics quarterfinal Feb. 16, 2022.
Annegret Hilse / Reuters
Strauss Mann of Team USA blocks the puck
Strauss Mann of Team USA blocks the puck
Strauss Mann of Team USA blocks the puck during the 2022 Beijing Olympics quarterfinals Feb. 16, 2022, against Slovakia.
Annegret Hilse / Reuters
Strauss Mann of the U.S. watches the action during a quarterfinal game against Slovakia
Strauss Mann of the U.S. watches the action during a quarterfinal game against Slovakia
Strauss Mann of the U.S. watches the action during a quarterfinal game against Slovakia during the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Brian Snyder / Reuters
Peter Zuzin of Slovakia in action with Aaron Ness and Strauss Mann of the United States
Peter Zuzin of Slovakia in action with Aaron Ness and Strauss Mann of the United States
Peter Zuzin of Slovakia in action with Aaron Ness and Strauss Mann of the United States during the 2022 Beijing Olympics quarterfinals Feb. 16, 2022, at National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China.
Annegret Hilse / Reuters
Noah Cates of the United States in action against Slovakia
Noah Cates of the United States in action against Slovakia
Noah Cates of the United States in action against Slovakia in a 2022 Beijing Olympics quarterfinal game Feb. 16, 2022, at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China.
Brian Snyder / Reuters
Sean Farrell of the United States misses during a penalty shootout against Slovakia
Sean Farrell of the United States misses during a penalty shootout against Slovakia
Sean Farrell of the United States misses during a penalty shootout against Slovakia during the quarterfinals of the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Carlos Perez Gallardo / Reuters
Marek Hrivik of Slovakia scores a goal
Marek Hrivik of Slovakia scores a goal
Marek Hrivik of Slovakia scores their second goal as Strauss Mann attempts to make the save. The goal tied the game late in the third period of a quarterfinal matchup Feb. 16, 2022, against Team USA during the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Bruce Bennett / Pool via Reuters
Slovakia forward Peter Cehlarik scores against United States goalkeeper Strauss Mann
Slovakia forward Peter Cehlarik scores against United States goalkeeper Strauss Mann
Slovakia forward Peter Cehlarik (34) scores against United States goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) in the penalty shoot out in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
George Walker IV / USA TODAY Sports
U.S. forward Matty Beniers (10) controls the puck against Slovakia
U.S. forward Matty Beniers (10) controls the puck against Slovakia
U.S. forward Matty Beniers (10) controls the puck against Slovakia forward Peter Cehlarik (34) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
George Walker IV / USA TODAY Sports
U.S. forward Andy Miele (51) passes the puck against Slovakia
U.S. forward Andy Miele (51) passes the puck against Slovakia
U.S. forward Andy Miele (51) passes the puck against Slovakia in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
U.S. forward Matty Beniers (10) and Slovakia forward Milos Roman (40) battle for the puck
U.S. forward Matty Beniers (10) and Slovakia forward Milos Roman (40) battle for the puck
U.S. forward Matty Beniers (10) and Slovakia forward Milos Roman (40) battle for the puck in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
George Walker IV / USA TODAY Sports
Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) makes a save against U.S. forward Kenny Agostino
Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) makes a save against U.S. forward Kenny Agostino
Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) makes a save against U.S. forward Kenny Agostino (11) in the menÕs ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Slovakia forward Samuel Takac (49) checks U.S. forward Kenny Agostino
Slovakia forward Samuel Takac (49) checks U.S. forward Kenny Agostino
Slovakia forward Samuel Takac (49) checks U.S. forward Kenny Agostino (11) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Slovakia forward Marek Hrivik (not pictured) scores a goal against U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann
Slovakia forward Marek Hrivik (not pictured) scores a goal against U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann
Slovakia forward Marek Hrivik (not pictured) scores a goal against U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) in the men's ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Forward Matty Beniers (10) shoots the puck for Team USA against Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar
Forward Matty Beniers (10) shoots the puck for Team USA against Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar
Forward Matty Beniers (10) shoots the puck for Team USA against Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Ness (42) of Team USA checks Slovakia forward Michal Kristof
Aaron Ness (42) of Team USA checks Slovakia forward Michal Kristof
Aaron Ness (42) of Team USA checks Slovakia forward Michal Kristof (19) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Slovakia forward Kristian Pospisil (88) works to move the puck against U.S. defender David Warsofsky
Slovakia forward Kristian Pospisil (88) works to move the puck against U.S. defender David Warsofsky
Slovakia forward Kristian Pospisil (88) works to move the puck against U.S. defender David Warsofsky (5) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Strauss Mann (31) of Team USA makes a save against Slovakia forward Libor Hudacek
Strauss Mann (31) of Team USA makes a save against Slovakia forward Libor Hudacek
Strauss Mann (31) of Team USA makes a save against Slovakia forward Libor Hudacek (79) during a penalty shoot out in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
Peter Casey / USA TODAY Sports
Team USA forward Sean Farrell (26) moves the puck against Slovakia
Team USA forward Sean Farrell (26) moves the puck against Slovakia
Team USA forward Sean Farrell (26) moves the puck against Slovakia forward Juraj Slafkovsky (20) in the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal during the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at National Indoor Stadium.
George Walker IV / USA TODAY Sports
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Related Topics: OLYMPICS
PHOTOS: Team USA men battle with Slovakia in Olympic quarterfinal game that ends in shootout
Ice Hockey - Men's Play-offs Quarterfinals - United States v Slovakia
Matt Knies (67) of Team USA shoots the puck against Slovakia
Patrik Rybar of Slovakia in action as Matty Berniers of Team USA attempts to score
Brendan Brisson of the United States misses during a penalty shootout
Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) makes a save against forward Nathan Smith (13) of Team USA
Matt Knies of the United States in action with Patrik Ryvar of Slovakia
U.S. forward Matt Knies (67) looks to pass the puck against Slovakia forward Milos Kelemen
U.S. forward Sam Hentges (12) celebrates scoring goal against Slovakia in the Olympics
Brendan Brisson (19) shoots the puck for Team USA against Slovakia
Forward Nathan Smith (13) moves the puck for Team USA against Slovakia defender Peter Ceresnak
Matt Knies (67) reacts after being hit in the face against Slovakia
Team USA forward Matt Knies (67) and Slovakia defender Martin Marincin (52) go for the puck
U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) makes a save against Slovakia
Matty Beniers (10) of Team USA skates with the puck against Slovakia
Slovakia forward Kristian Pospisil (88) and United States forward Noah Cates (27) battle for the puck
Forward Sam Hentges (12) of Team USA scores a goal against Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar
Forward Nathan Smith (13) of Team USA shoots the puck against Slovakia
U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann (31) makes a save against Slovakia
U.S. forward Nathan Smith (13) moves the puck against Slovakia
Libor Hudacek of Slovakia skates toward the U.S. goal as Brian Cooper and goaltender Strauss Mann defend
Strauss Mann of Team USA blocks the puck
Strauss Mann of the U.S. watches the action during a quarterfinal game against Slovakia
Peter Zuzin of Slovakia in action with Aaron Ness and Strauss Mann of the United States
Noah Cates of the United States in action against Slovakia
Sean Farrell of the United States misses during a penalty shootout against Slovakia
Marek Hrivik of Slovakia scores a goal
Slovakia forward Peter Cehlarik scores against United States goalkeeper Strauss Mann
U.S. forward Matty Beniers (10) controls the puck against Slovakia
U.S. forward Andy Miele (51) passes the puck against Slovakia
U.S. forward Matty Beniers (10) and Slovakia forward Milos Roman (40) battle for the puck
Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar (24) makes a save against U.S. forward Kenny Agostino
Slovakia forward Samuel Takac (49) checks U.S. forward Kenny Agostino
Slovakia forward Marek Hrivik (not pictured) scores a goal against U.S. goalkeeper Strauss Mann
Forward Matty Beniers (10) shoots the puck for Team USA against Slovakia goalkeeper Patrik Rybar
Aaron Ness (42) of Team USA checks Slovakia forward Michal Kristof
Slovakia forward Kristian Pospisil (88) works to move the puck against U.S. defender David Warsofsky
Strauss Mann (31) of Team USA makes a save against Slovakia forward Libor Hudacek
Team USA forward Sean Farrell (26) moves the puck against Slovakia