The United States men’s hockey team enters its second preliminary round game at the 2026 Winter Olympics riding high after a convincing 5-1 victory over Latvia.1 Brock Nelson led the way with two goals, while Auston Matthews, Tage Thompson, and Brady Tkachuk also lit the lamp. Denmark, meanwhile, stumbled in its opener with a 3-1 loss to Germany, putting pressure on the Danes to respond quickly.2
This Saturday’s matchup at 3:10 p.m. ET in Milano’s Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena carries weight for both squads in Group C. A win keeps the USA atop the standings and positions them for a quarterfinal bye—the reward for the top team in each group. Denmark needs points to stay alive in the medal hunt.3
USA’s impressive start against Latvia
Team USA controlled the game after a scoreless first period marred by two disallowed goals. Brady Tkachuk opened the scoring early in the second, followed by strikes from Matthews, Thompson, and Nelson’s brace. The Americans outshot Latvia heavily and dominated puck possession as the game wore on.1
Standout performers included the Hughes brothers—Quinn logging a team-high 21:29 of ice time with two assists, and Jack chipping in two helpers from the fourth line. Matthew Tkachuk added two assists alongside brother Brady on the top line with Jack Eichel. Brock Nelson’s physical presence and finishing earned high praise in post-game analysis.1
Coach Mike Sullivan’s line decisions paid off, though questions linger about shuffling after Nelson’s heroics. The USA wore down Latvia with speed and physicality, a blueprint they hope to replicate. This performance signals depth across all four lines.1
For deeper insights into USA’s roster construction leading into Milano Cortina, check out our predictions for the American squad.
The win boosts confidence for a group favored to cruise through preliminaries. Yet sustaining that intensity against fresher opponents will test Sullivan’s group.
Denmark digs out of early hole versus Germany
Germany struck first and held firm in a 3-1 decision over Denmark on February 12. Tim Stutzle paced the Germans with two goals, including a power-play marker, while Leon Draisaitl notched his first Olympic tally. Denmark’s lone response came from Oscar Fisker Molgaard, the Seattle Kraken rookie.4
Frederik Andersen stood tall in net for Denmark but couldn’t overcome the early deficit. The Danes generated chances but struggled defensively against Germany’s NHL firepower. This marked a tough start for a squad making its second straight Olympics after a seventh-place finish in 2022.5
Key contributors like Nikolaj Ehlers and Lars Eller will need to elevate. Denmark’s lack of NHL defensemen exposed vulnerabilities. Still, their forwards bring grit and international experience.
Facing USA next offers a redemption shot, but history favors the Americans heavily. Denmark eyes spoiler status in a loaded tournament.3
Players to watch in the USA-Denmark clash
USA’s attack boasts NHL superstars primed for explosion.
- Auston Matthews (captain, Toronto Maple Leafs): Scored versus Latvia; elite sniper leading the charge.6
- Brock Nelson (New York Islanders): Two goals last game; third-generation Olympian adding leadership.
- Hughes brothers (Quinn, Vancouver; Jack, New Jersey): Quinn’s D dominance, Jack’s playmaking shine.
- Tkachuk brothers (Brady, Ottawa; Matthew, Florida): Physical edge and scoring touch.
- Tage Thompson (Buffalo Sabres): Towering presence with a goal already banked.
Denmark counters with NHL vets hungry to upset.
- Nikolaj Ehlers (Carolina Hurricanes): Speedy winger aiming to exploit transitions.
- Oliver Bjorkstrand (Tampa Bay Lightning): Scoring threat on the wing.
- Lars Eller (Ottawa Senators): Veteran center providing stability.
- Frederik Andersen (Carolina Hurricanes): Potential starter in net; big-game pedigree.
Family ties add intrigue—Denmark’s Ehlers shares a Hurricanes locker room with USA goalie counterpart.7 For USA players’ gold medal mindset, see this piece on their ambitions.
Matchups like Matthews versus Andersen could swing momentum.
Group C standings and stakes
Current standings after one game each:
| Team | GP | W | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| Germany | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Denmark | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Latvia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
Remaining slate includes Germany-Latvia Saturday, then final games Sunday: Germany-USA, Denmark-Latvia. Top spot clinches the bye to Wednesday’s quarters.3
USA eyes an unbeaten run for rest advantage in playoffs. Denmark must steal points to force tiebreakers.
Canada leads tournament favorites at +120 odds, but USA (+175) lurks as gold contender. Group C looks like USA’s to lose.3
How to tune in
Catch the action live on USA Network, with streaming on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms.6 For full coverage, visit Olympics.com.
Puck drop at 9:10 p.m. local time promises NHL-level intensity.
Analysts peg USA for a multi-goal win, building on Latvia momentum. Denmark fights for respect.
A USA victory solidifies their medal path, inching toward elusive gold since 1980. Denmark’s response defines their tournament—underdog story or early exit? Watch this space as Group C heats up.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.