MILAN — The U.S. men are back in action to continue the preliminary round of the men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Americans play Denmark in Group C action at Milano Santaguilia Hockey Arena. Coach Mike Sullivan said after the U.S.’ morning skate that Jeremy Swayman would start in goal. Swayman backed up Connor Hellebuyck in the first game. With three matches in four days, it was expected that the Americans would rotate goaltenders.
The Americans are atop their group headed into the match, having defeated Latvia by a score of 5-1. After the Denmark game, the U.S. will play Germany on Sunday, Feb. 15 in the last of group play. The winner of the group gets a bye into the quarterfinals.
The Americans are one of the deepest teams at the Olympics, with 25 NHL players manning the positions. They’re so deep that New Jersey Devils star forward Jack Hughes has been on what is technically the fourth line. He and Brock Nelson were among the players who picked up points against Latvia, with Nelson scoring twice and Hughes assisting on both goals.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Peacock is streaming every game live.
The 12 teams are divided into three groups. They are:
Teams play one game each against the other three teams in their group. Countries get three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime win, one for an overtime/shootout loss and zero for a regulation loss.
After the preliminary round is complete, teams are seeded 1 through 12 under the following criteria:
The top four teams (group winners and best second-place team) get a bye to the quarterfinals. Teams 5-12 play in a qualifying round, with the winners going to the quarterfinals.
Playoff qualification games are on Feb. 17, quarterfinals are Feb. 18 and semifinals are Feb. 20.
The bronze medal game is Feb. 21 and the gold medal game is Sunday, Feb. 22.
International Ice Hockey Federation prohibits fighting, and it could lead to an ejection and a suspension.
“Fighting is not part of international ice hockey’s DNA,” the organization states in Rule 46 of the IIHF rulebook.
“Players who willingly, participate in a ‘brawl/fight’ so-called ‘willing combatants,’ shall be penalized accordingly by the referee(s) and may be ejected from the game,” the rulebook says. “Further supplementary discipline may be imposed.”
The NHL will take a break from Feb. 6-24 for the 2026 Winter Olympics. No trades can take place during the Olympic break.
The tournament started Feb. 11 with two games. The USA opened play Feb. 12 against Latvia. All teams will play three games during the round robin, which runs through Feb. 15. The top four teams get byes to the quarterfinals.
Playoff qualification games are on Feb. 17 for teams ranked fifth through 12th, quarterfinals are Feb. 18 and semifinals are Feb. 20.
The bronze medal game is Feb. 21 and the gold medal game is Sunday, Feb. 22.
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