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Greg Wyshynski
Multiple Authors
The United States maintained its perfect record in the preliminary round of the 2026 Winter Olympic men’s ice hockey tournament, triumphing 5-1 against Germany.
This win secures nine points for the U.S., positioning them first in Group C and granting them the second overall seed, which confirms their quarterfinal spot. They will face the winner of the Sweden-Latvia matchup scheduled for Tuesday.
Captain Auston Matthews was pivotal in the victory, scoring two goals, while Tage Thompson, Brock Faber, and Zach Werenski also contributed to the scoreline.
Here are key insights from this final preliminary match for the U.S., along with an overall team assessment, player of the game, and a significant question as the knockout phase approaches on Wednesday.
Takeaway 1: Almost no points of concern
Team USA’s 3-0 sweep through Group C exemplified what was required: effective, confidence-inspiring, and successful. There were no major setbacks. While there were moments of tension, there was no real panic. Except for Jeremy Swayman’s long-range goal allowed against Denmark, no indications of potential trouble emerged. These three matches showcased that GM Bill Guerin has assembled a medal-contending roster — albeit from the most manageable group in the men’s tournament.
Every line made offensive contributions, particularly the fourth: New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes transformed from looking out of place at the 4 Nations Face-Off to resembling a new-age Patrick Kane over three games alongside Brock Nelson. In reference to 4 Nations: Tage Thompson has played with the intensity of someone eager to prove his worth. Guerin’s roster sees few additions, but Thompson’s impact on the offense has been notable.
IT’S TAGE THOMPSON TIME! Team USA adds another. ⚡️#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/jf5rQkPrCK
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 15, 2026
The defense has consistently demonstrated depth and strength. Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski have been impactful in all zones. Jaccob Slavin hasn’t needed to be Jaccob Slavin just yet, but that will come. Connor Hellebuyck was a reliable presence against Latvia and Germany, firmly controlling the puck without needing to steal a game — that will come later.
When watching the U.S. and Canada during the first round, the Americans didn’t exude the same overpowering presence as the Canadians. yet, they have built a solid foundation for the elimination round and a potential rematch with the Canadians for Olympic gold.
Takeaway 2: OK, one point of concern — the starts
By the time they faced Germany, Team USA was aware of the situation. Canada dispatched France 10-2. To clinch the first overall seed in the elimination rounds, the U.S. needed to not only win but do so by a margin of 10 goals.
With that pressure in mind, it wasn’t surprising that the Americans didn’t start the first period explosively. They had good chances, including on a power play, but Germany stymied their efforts in front of goaltender Maximilian Franzreb. That changed in the final nine seconds of the first period, as Werenski broke the tie, providing the U.S. with a much-needed lead, assisted by Matthews.
If there’s been a recurring issue in Group C, it’s the U.S. allowing weaker opponents too much breathing room in the first period. Latvia finished the first period tied at 1-1, and Denmark led 2-1 after scoring from center ice against Swayman. Germany almost kept a 0-0 scoreline into the first intermission until Matthews and Werenski’s late connection.
The positive takeaway from those earlier games is that the Americans subsequently outscored their opponents 9-1, gradually overwhelming them. This trend continued against the Germans, as second-period goals from Matthews and Faber sealed the deal. Overall, the Americans outscored their three opponents 13-2 after the first period.
yet, they risked a dangerous pattern considering tougher teams await in the elimination round, with no room for error.
Takeaway 3: The Tkachuks were Tkachukin’
With Team USA’s ambition for their first gold medal since the Miracle on Ice and potential redemption against their northern rivals, it’s hard not to look ahead. Players like Matthew and Brady Tkachuk can instigate that spark in a controlled game.
Against Germany, Brady Tkachuk was aggressive from the outset, while Matthew Tkachuk assisted on goals by Matthews and Faber. In a memorable Tkachuk moment, Matthew chirped Germany’s star Leon Draisaitl from the bench, stating, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” It’s worth noting that Tkachuk’s Florida Panthers have knocked Draisaitl’s Edmonton Oilers out in consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. Savage.
Most importantly, the brothers handled an intense interview with the rugged journalist covering the 2026 Winter Olympics: Elmo.
It’s GAME-ON for the Tkachuk Brothers and @Elmo at the #WinterOlympics! 🏒😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/8WqESzYQsD
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) February 15, 2026
This was just what Matthews and the squad needed before heading into the elimination rounds. His perfectly executed cross-ice saucer pass set up Werenski’s crucial late-period goal in the first — a punch to Germany from which they never fully recovered. Yet, as brilliant as Matthews is as a playmaker, Team USA requires more than another showing like 4 Nations, where “Papi” had three assists but no goals. They need him to score, and he did so three times during group play, including twice against Germany.
Matthews found the net on a power play in the second period by battling in front to earn a high-danger goal. In the third period, he was near the crease when Jake Sanderson’s shot bounced awkwardly before Matthews swatted it in.
A two-piece combo for Auston Matthews. ✌️#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/vkQzJrWfJb
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 15, 2026
Mathews has faced plenty of scrutiny leading into the tournament, with some suggesting he’s fallen behind Jack Eichel on the depth chart, and others questioning his captaincy after 4 Nations. His performance against Germany wasn’t overwhelming, nor was it the singular reason for the U.S.’s victory. But his chemistry with Matt Boldy and Jake Guentzel continues to improve with each shift, making this an important building-block game for Matthews.
Big question for the next round: Can they get past Sweden?
Team USA has emerged as Group C’s winner and enters the medal round as the No. 2 seed in the men’s hockey tournament. This position gives them a likely quarterfinal clash against Sweden, seen as the consensus third-best team in Milan at the tournament’s start.
because of the upheaval in Group B — where Slovakia has emerged as a hockey force by claiming first place — Sweden finds itself seeded seventh overall. They will face the challenging Latvia in Tuesday’s quarterfinal, with the winner advancing to meet Team USA.
The Swedes possess a defense corps capable of contending with the American lineup regarding depth. Alongside a mix of skilled players and veterans, they will remain unfazed by the hype surrounding Team USA. While their goaltending may not be the tournament’s strongest, Jacob Markstrom and Filip Gustavsson are both capable of holding strong for three full periods.
Canadian fans have taken pleasure in pointing out the potential challenges Team USA may face on their journey to the gold medal game. The Americans will need to earn it, especially if Sweden defeats Latvia. Recall that Italy gave Tre Kronor a tough match.
Overall team grade: A-
A commendable performance in a game where the primary goals were to win the group and maintain player health going into the medal round.
The first period was lackluster. yet, the Americans displayed solid play thereafter, except for one defensive misstep that Hellebuyck couldn’t remedy, clearly indicating it’s his crease going forward. This was a strong win against competition that was better than what they faced in the previous two group matches, all amid a supportive crowd.
It wasn’t a performance that showcased every engine firing on all cylinders, but it didn’t need to be. As defenseman Faber stated postgame on NBC: “There are still things we need to clean up. Now it gets real.”
