U.S. men's hockey tops Denmark 6-3 at 2026 Milan Olympics

The U.S. men’s hockey team secured a 6-3 victory over Denmark on Saturday night at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Jack Eichel played a pivotal role, scoring off his own faceoff win just a minute after assisting on Brady Tkachuk’s first goal in similar fashion.[1] This performance from the top line kept the Americans unbeaten and tied with Canada atop the preliminary round standings.

Despite an early setback, the U.S. showed resilience. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman was beaten by a long-distance shot from Nicholas B. Jensen, but his teammates quickly responded. The win improves the U.S. to 2-0, matching Canada’s record after their strong start.

Facing early hurdles

Denmark struck first when Zach Werenski accidentally knocked the puck into his own net, crediting Nick Olesen with the goal. Just over 11 minutes into the game, Jensen unleashed a shot from 95 feet, catching Swayman off guard inside the center red line.[2]

The U.S. struggled to find rhythm initially. Denmark’s pressure tested the defense, forcing Swayman into key saves. Yet, the Americans refused to panic, setting the stage for a second-period comeback.

Phillip Bruggisser added a soft goal for Denmark with 2.6 seconds left in the middle frame, making it 2-1 visitors. This late tally could have deflated the U.S., but instead, it ignited their response. Mads Sogaard stood tall in net for Denmark early on.

Swayman recovered well post-blunder. His poise allowed the offense to regroup. The game highlighted the fine margins in Olympic hockey.

Top line takeover

Midway through the second period, Brady Tkachuk tied the game after Eichel won a crucial faceoff. Just a minute later, Eichel himself scored off another faceoff win, giving the U.S. a 3-2 lead. This top line—featuring Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, and Matthew Tkachuk—dominated possession.

The brothers Tkachuk connected seamlessly with Eichel. Their chemistry overwhelmed Denmark’s defense. These quick strikes shifted momentum decisively.

Eichel’s playmaking shone through. His faceoff prowess created prime scoring chances. The line’s speed and skill proved too much for Sogaard.

Denmark couldn’t match the intensity. The U.S. controlled play, outshooting their opponents. This surge echoed their dominant opener against Latvia, detailed in this recap and this analysis.

Expanding the advantage

Defenseman Noah Hanifin provided breathing room later in the second. His shot trickled through Sogaard and over the goal line, making it 4-2. This goal steadied the U.S. ahead of the third period.

With over 12 minutes left in regulation, Jake Guentzel ripped a one-timer past Sogaard. Captain Auston Matthews earned the primary assist, with Werenski adding a secondary after his earlier mishap. Guentzel’s finish was clinical.

Sogaard exited due to injury, replaced by Frederik Dichow. Brady Tkachuk sealed the win with his second goal, fed by Jack Hughes. The empty-netter wasn’t needed as the U.S. closed strongly.

Denmark pushed late but couldn’t close the gap. The U.S. defense, led by Hanifin and Werenski, held firm. Swayman’s rebounding limited second chances.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the U.S. goals:

• Brady Tkachuk (1st): Assisted by Jack Eichel (faceoff setup)
• Jack Eichel: Unassisted (faceoff win)
• Noah Hanifin: Trickler past Sogaard
• Jake Guentzel: One-timer, assists Matthews and Werenski
• Brady Tkachuk (2nd): Feed from Jack Hughes

Seeding battle intensifies

Both the U.S. and Canada now sit at six points entering the final preliminary day.[3] Brock Nelson’s two goals powered a 5-1 rout of Latvia in the opener. Goal differential will decide the top seed if both win in regulation.

The U.S. faces Germany next, while Canada meets 0-2 France. Check the full men’s hockey schedule for details.[4] A regulation win positions the Americans favorably for the single-elimination knockout.

This result underscores the team’s depth. NHL stars like Matthews, Eichel, and the Tkachuks elevate play. Early tests like Denmark prepare them for medal contention.

Denmark fought valiantly, with Jensen’s snipe a highlight. Yet, the U.S. talent prevailed. More on standings and stats at NBC Olympics coverage.[1]

The top seed offers home-ice edge in quarters. With NHL participation, expectations run high. The U.S. looks primed for a deep run, building on this gritty win.

Victory keeps playoff positioning in U.S. hands. Focus shifts to Germany, where execution matters. Olympic gold remains the ultimate prize.