Team USA prevails 6-3 over Denmark in dramatic Olympic hockey matchup

The United States men’s hockey team secured a hard-fought 6-3 victory over Denmark in their second preliminary round game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Despite trailing 2-1 after the first period, Team USA erupted for three goals in the second to seize control, adding insurance tallies from Jake Guentzel and Jack Hughes. With two wins in two games, the Americans sit atop Group C ahead of a pivotal Sunday clash with Germany.

The game unfolded far more tensely than anticipated against a gritty Danish side, highlighting both strengths and vulnerabilities in Mike Sullivan’s squad. Goaltending proved shaky, but offensive depth and timely scoring propelled the U.S. forward. As the tournament intensifies, these performances raise key questions about depth and adjustments.

Jeremy Swayman’s Olympic debut raises goaltending questions

Jeremy Swayman entered the net well-rested after Connor Hellebuyck’s stellar shutout performance in the 5-1 opener against Latvia, where the Jets netminder stopped nearly everything en route to a dominant win. Against Denmark, however, Swayman struggled, surrendering three goals on just 12 shots. The first was a long-range strike from center ice by Nick Jensen, exposing positioning issues.

The second goal came from a point shot by Phillip Bruggissier with under three seconds left in the second period, a preventable tally that kept Denmark within striking distance at 4-3. Swayman’s performance starkly contrasted Hellebuyck’s near-perfection, where the U.S. defense limited high-danger chances effectively.

This shaky outing puts the Americans’ goaltending tandem under scrutiny heading into a back-to-back with Germany. Sullivan must decide if Hellebuyck returns immediately or if Swayman gets another chance to build confidence. Depth here will be crucial as the knockout rounds approach.

Early tournament rust might explain some lapses, but those long goals cannot recur against elite competition. Team USA’s defenders, led by Quinn Hughes, bore extra burden to compensate.

Offensive depth powers Team USA’s comeback

When Team USA’s attack clicks, it’s a force to be reckoned with, as seen in Auston Matthews’ precise feed to Jake Guentzel for a one-timer that made it 5-3. The Lightning forward’s celebration underscored the line’s chemistry.

Matt Boldy tied the game early, while Brady Tkachuk and Jack Eichel converted faceoff wins into second-period strikes. This balanced scoring—contributions from multiple lines—prevented reliance on one unit.

In the Latvia game, Brock Nelson’s two goals highlighted similar depth, with the fourth line chipping in amid disallowed tallies and physical play. Against Denmark, the U.S. tallied six goals from varied sources, smothering Denmark’s momentum post-intermission.

• Key scoring plays:
  • Boldy: Game-tying goal early second period.
  • Tkachuk/Eichel: Faceoff conversions for 3-2 and 4-2 leads.
  • Matthews-Guenzel: Clinical fifth goal.
  • Hughes: Insurance marker.

This spread eases pressure on stars like Matthews and sets a template for tougher foes. Sullivan’s line juggling fosters competition for ice time.

Jack Hughes excels in new wing role

Coach Sullivan shifted Jack Hughes from center to wing alongside Brock Nelson and J.T. Miller, unlocking offensive freedom. The Devils star burst with energy, fresh speed evident in bursts that created chances.

Over two games, Hughes has adapted seamlessly, building on assists versus Latvia where he meshed with the fourth line. His insurance goal against Denmark provided cushion, signaling growing comfort.

This positional tweak addresses Hughes’ uneven NHL season, thriving under less defensive responsibility. Sullivan’s ice-time management amid talent surplus favors rewarding hot hands like this trio.

Hughes’ line could earn more shifts if production continues. High-pressure Olympics suit his skill set, potentially elevating Team USA’s top-six dynamism.

Brady Tkachuk named player of the game

Brady Tkachuk embodied Team USA’s grit, playing every shift with desperation. His 2-2 equalizer flipped momentum, igniting the bench like a spark plug.

Beyond scoring, Tkachuk’s energy lifts teammates, countering his physical reputation. When down, he rallies the group—vital for playoffs.

• Tkachuk’s impact:

  Stat	Contribution
  Goal	Tied game at 2-2
  Hits	Led team in physicality
  Energy	Infectious shifts throughout

Younger Tkachuk brother outshone kin Matthew in physical forecheck. His “last-shift intensity” defines winning edges.

Germany showdown poses first real test

Latvia and Denmark served as tune-ups; Germany arrives Sunday at Milano Santagiulia Arena (3:10 p.m. ET, USA Network). Leon Draisaitl and Tim Stutzle dazzled in Germany’s 3-1 win over Denmark, demanding containment.

Sullivan faces choices: tweak lines post-Swayman? Commit to top units? Full Olympics schedule here.

Short rest tests conditioning against NHL-caliber speed. Adjustments now prepare for quarters.

U.S. stars match Germany’s, but corralling breakaways decides it. Tune-up phase ends.

Overall grade: A-

Dock points for Swayman’s goals and sloppy first periods (second straight). Yet, execution elsewhere shone: depth scoring, second-half defense, chemistry building.

Team USA handled expectations, positioning well. Elevate versus Germany, dominate knockouts.

This win signals potential; refining edges yields gold shot. Watch Sullivan’s tweaks—key to promised land.