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Jake Mozarsky
The talent on Team USA is undeniable, but the lingering question entering these Olympics was how they would handle genuine adversity. Through two games, this “greatest roster ever assembled” hasn’t just faced the punch — they’ve countered it.
On Saturday afternoon, the U.S. moved within striking distance of the Group C crown, defeating Denmark 6-3 to improve to 2-0. While it wasn’t always smooth sailing, the Americans’ overwhelming depth eventually turned a shaky start into a comfortable victory.
The opening frame was a nightmare scenario for the favorites. Just two minutes in, Nick Olesen capitalized on a goal-mouth scramble to beat Jeremy Swayman. While Matt Boldy answered back with a brilliant individual effort, Swayman’s uncharacteristic struggles continued shortly after. A speculative mid-ice shot from Nicholas B. Jensen fooled the netminder, sending a stunned Denmark into the locker room with a 2-1 lead.
As captain Auston Matthews noted postgame: “It’s not about how you start, it’s how you finish.”
STREAM: Watch Denmark vs United States live on Peacock
For the final 40 minutes, Team USA answered the bell. For the second straight game, it scored three goals in the second period — this time from Brady Tkachuk, Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin — to take a commanding lead. Though the Danes cut the lead in half with two seconds left in the middle frame, come the third, it was all United States.Jake Guentzel provided the necessary cushion before Jack Hughes put the nail in the coffin, weaving through the Danish defense to seal the 6-3 win.
With six points in the bag, the United States now sits alone atop Group C. Their path to the knockout stage is clear: a win or an overtime loss against Germany will clinch the top seed.
The Sporting News followed all the action from another game where Team USA responded after a difficult start. Check out all the highlights below.
MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule
5:45 p.m.: The clock expires and the United States moves to 2-0 in the Olympics. Though it was a rough start, trailing by one after the first, the Americans once again turned it up a gear in the second. In the third, they got some much needed insurance from Guentzel and Hughes.
That’s another dub for the U.S. of A. 🇺🇸🇺🇸 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/UVCmqTw6Jx
Now, the U.S. goes to the top of Group C with six points. Tomorrow’s matchup against Germany will decide the winner of the group. Today, the States faced adversity, but once again, talent prevailed.
Eyes turn to the matchup against Germany and much bigger things on the line for Team USA.
5:42 p.m.: The U.S. will end the game shorthanded, with a delay of game penalty on Matt Boldy sending Denmark back to the power play.
There’s 1:14 remaining.
5:41 p.m.: The Americans are 0-for-2 on the power play today, getting a few chances but not being able to get the puck past Dichow.
Though, the clock ticks under three minutes as the game stays 6-3, and the U.S. is minutes away from going atop Group C.
5:38 p.m.: The U.S. goes to the man advantage, with Matthews getting hooked while charging to the net. He got the pass from Guentzel, and though Dichow made the save, the U.S. captain drew a penalty.
5:34 p.m. GOAL: The U.S. has blown the game open.
It’s one of the best skaters in the world, Jack Hughes, who takes the puck behind the net then banks it off Dichow for his first goal of the tournament.
The U.S. leads by three with the game winding down.
5:31 p.m.: Dichow has his first real test, with Dylan Larkin having a point blank shot that goes straight into his chest.
He was set up by Kyle Connor, but the game remains 5-3.
5:28 p.m.: It’s a goalie change for the Danes. Sogaard came up slow after making the save on Tkachuk and is now being checked on by trainers.
Replacing him is Frederik Dichow.
5:25 p.m.: The power play is over as the clock ticks under 9:30. The American penalty kill stays perfect on the tournament as the team leads 5-3.
On the other end, Brady Tkachuk’s chance is swallowed up by Sogaard.
5:22 p.m.: Denmark is heading to the power play for the second time today.
It’s a cross checking penalty on Matthews, who retaliated on an initial hit. But, he’s the one that goes to the box.
With 11:29 left, Denmark heads to the man advantage.
5:17 p.m. GOAL: The U.S. continues to get chances but the puck won’t go in. First, Jack Hughes’ shot goes across the crease but it doesn’t go in, then Matthews rocks one off the post.
Then, the Americans finally break through on the same shift. It’s Jake Guentzel who gets one by Sogaard in nearly the same spot that Matthews hit the post on, and the U.S. capitalizes to gain some cushion.
🎯🎯 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/ZgsKtMf1lD
Team USA has now scored five goals in each game this tournament.
5:14 p.m.: With 14:40 left in the third, the Americans are outshooting the Danes 33-14. But, it’s a one-goal game.
5:11 p.m.: Matthew Tkachuk had a great chance, but his slot in the slot is knocked away by Sogaard.
Then, Denmark gets a good opportunity, with Alexander True looking like he has a breakaway on Swayman but Jake Sanderson makes a play, Swayman is able to cover it up after losing the puck eventually.
5:09 p.m.: Brock Faber just threw the puck into the crease with Tkachuk right there, but it somehow stays out. Sogaard falls on top of it and it remains a one-goal game.
5:07 p.m.: Denmark had some zone time to begin the period but the puck sailed by Swayman a few times. On the other end, Jack Hughes’ shot is staved away by Sogaard.
5:04 p.m.: The third period has began in Milan.
The United States lead 4-3, needing to hold on for another 20 minutes. While they dominated the second, the late goal by Denmark has shifted momentum.
4:44 p.m. GOAL: Right before the buzzer, Denmark cuts the lead in half.
It’s Phillip Bruggiser who gets a deflection right in front of Swayman, and the goaltender can’t stop the tip in. A period dominated by the U.S. ends with a sour note.
The Americans head to the locker room up 4-3.
4:42 p.m.: The Americans had a chance to make it 5-2, but Auston Matthews’ point blank chance is kicked away by Sogaard’s skate.
The Danish goaltender has 24 saves on the day, this one possibly the best so far.
4:38 p.m. GOAL: Similar to the first game, the U.S. is dominating the second and the goals are coming.
This time, Vincent Trocheck hits Noah Hanifin in stride; while his first shot is blocked, he finds the second and it trickles by Sogaard.
Noah sneakin’ one over 👀 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/eoUfcgSlWD
The U.S. has scored three goals in the period to take the lead.
4:37 p.m.: Now, Denmark has a 2-on-1 but a shot is ripped wide of Swayman. It’s the first real chance the opponent has had in a while.
4:29 p.m. GOAL: The Americans have scored two goals in 57 seconds to take the lead.
After getting the assist on the first goal, Eichel scores off his own faceoff this time, retrieving the puck and shooting it past Sogaard’s glove. It’s his first career Olympic goal.
Eichs got that eye for scoring 🚨 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/kgVa4vSx1O
Just like that, the U.S. leads for the first time tonight.
4:24 p.m. GOAL: The game is level courtesy of Brady Tkachuk.
Tkachuk, who’s been the best player, immediately rips Eichel’s faceoff win short side to score his second goal of the tournament. It was desperately needed for Team USA, who couldn’t get one past Sogaard.
Brady bringing the electricity 🇺🇸 #WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/LiOVSzdD6o
We’re all level halfway through the game.
4:21 p.m.: As the period continues, Team USA is getting more zone time. But, Sogaard has been able to make the saves.
The shot margin is 19-9 U.S.
4:17 p.m.: With the U.S. at the end of a shift, Denmark was able to get a chance on the offensive end. But, Swayman stood tall, swallowing up the puck.
4:15 p.m.: The U.S. can’t convert on the man advantage, getting a few shots but all were saved by Sogaard. The best chance came from Tage Thompson, who ripped a shot wide from the slot.
There’s 14:39 remaining in the second and the U.S. still trails.
4:11 p.m.: Team USA gets a good chance, with Eichel shooting on a 2-on-1 but it’s saved by Sogaard. Though, on the rebound, Brady Tkachuk is hooked and the U.S. heads to the power play for the first time tonight.
The Americans had two power play goals in their opener against Latvia.
4:09 p.m.: The U.S. finds itself in an unfamiliar position as the middle frame gets underway.
The last time the team trailed after one (with NHL players) was all the way back in 2010 in the gold medal game against Canada.
4:06 p.m.: The second period is underway.
Team USA trails, 2-1, looking for a quick response.
3:48 p.m.: With the clock winding down, Jack Eichel found some space but lost an edge, letting the puck find Sogaard softly.
Then, the U.S. gets a few more shots off before the clock expires. Denmark leads 2-1 at the end of 20.
It’s been more of a discombobulated performance from the States so far as a scrum breaks out to end the period.
3:46 p.m.: Neither team has had sustained zone time as the game goes back-and-forth.
The U.S. is outshooting Denmark 11-6 up to this point.
3:36 p.m.: The energy is high in Milan, with chants for both teams raining down from the stands.
The underdog Denmark is playing spirited and has the lead, and while the U.S. has gotten chances, the Boldy goal is the only breakthrough.
3:32 p.m. GOAL: The Americans started to dominate, but now, they’re back behind.
Denmark scores in the weirdest of ways, with Nicholas B Jensen throwing the puck from the red line and it gets by Swayman, who lost the puck.
DENMARK SCORES FROM CENTER ICE. 🤯#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/jELsaAl6Fb
Denmark leads again on a mistake by Swayman. He’s going to want that back.
3:28 p.m.: Brady Tkachuck’s strong forecheck gave the Americans sustained ice time, but Werenski’s shot is covered up by Sogaard.
The game has evened out after the initial Denmark pressure.
3:23 p.m.: The U.S. has killed the power play, with Denmark getting one shot.
The game remains 1-1 seven minutes in. The American penalty kill is still perfect for the tournament.
3:19 p.m.: The first penalty of the game is against the Americans.
It’s a holding on Dylan Larkin, who heads to the box for a two-minute minor. Denmark goes to the man advantage looking to take the lead again.
3:17 p.m. GOAL: The Americans respond fast behind an individual effort from the Minnesota Wild‘s Matt Boldy.
Boldy dekes past a defender before bringing the puck around the net, tucking it in before the Sogaard could get back.
All Boldy, All Day 😤 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/tc1OYNqq03
Just like that, the game is tied. Both teams are on the board with just over 16 minutes remaining.
3:16 p.m.: Three minutes in and the momentum is with the Danes.
Looking at the goal, the puck went off Zach Werenski’s skate before getting past Swayman and going into the goal.
Now, the favorites are behind.
3:13 p.m. GOAL: Denmark is on the board early.
It’s Nick Olesen who gets his skate near the puck and it dribbles past Swayman. Early on, the Danish have been faster and better.
For the first time in the Olympics, the U.S. trails.
3:10 p.m.: The puck has dropped and we are underway.
Follow along for live updates throughout the game.
3:08 p.m.: Denmark and the United States have taken the ice in Milan.
The Stars and Stripes come on to a massive applause from the crowd.
3:02 p.m.: The blue jerseys have arrived.
𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 🇺🇸 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/16VZnsAJvw
Puck drop is minutes away.
2:53 p.m.: The U.S. and Canada are the two favorites to take home gold, and the two are also fighting for who will be the top seed come the knockout stages.
Swayman vs Sogaard tonight USA/Denmark
In addition to wins, goal differential matters for battle to No. 1 seed.
Canada is +9 after two games (vs France tomorrow)
USA +4 after one (Denmark now, Germany tomorrow)
2:44 p.m.: The Danish starting goaltender, Freddie Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes, will not start today’s game.
Instead, it’s Mads Sogaard.
2:30 p.m.: The starting lines arer out for Team USA.
Our Valentine’s Day card to the fans, here’s today’s lines 💕#WinterOlympics game preview: https://t.co/pAfmWcSqXd pic.twitter.com/RCpEvdB9vE
There are barely any changes from the win against Latvia, besides the goaltending shift from Hellebuyck to Swayman.
2:11 p.m.: The path is starting to become clear for the favorites USA and Canada.
If both teams win their groups, they will be the top two seeds for the knockout stages, meaning they would meet in the gold medal game if both get there.
No one in Group B of the Winter Olympic men’s hockey tournament will finish with 3 regulation wins.
The path is clear for Canada and Team USA to finish with the top two seeds in group play and set up a potential showdown in the gold medal game. #olympics pic.twitter.com/vZBl0a6yCT
Of course, the teams have to take care of business in the groups, then come do-or-die time.
2:04 p.m.: After a frustrating opening 20 minutes against Latvia, Team USA opened the floodgates, scoring three goals in the second.
No goal was prettier than Brock Nelson’s second, which came in the final seconds of the middle frame.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
USA hockey a thing of beauty pic.twitter.com/mzPWGk9q8d
1:45 p.m.: In goal for the United States tonight is Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
Sway gets the start tonight! 🇺🇸🥅 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/kTP6OUDVpR
Swayman makes his first Olympic start after appearing in one game in the Four Nations Faceoff in 2025. The Bruins goalie has a .903 save percentage and 2.92 goals against average this season.
1:20 p.m.: The Americans are in the house for Game 2, this time wearing blue jumpsuits.
The white tracksuits had their moment. Now, it’s blue sherpa for game two. 🔥 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/Oe3lRdOpfx
Will today also be the debut of the blue jerseys?
1:04 p.m.: Team USA opened their 2026 Winter Olympic campaign on Thursday, February 12, with a commanding 5-1 victory over Latvia. The win was a statement of intent for the American squad, which features a roster of NHL superstars aiming for the country’s first men’s hockey gold medal in 46 years. Although the game was tied 1-1 after a frustrating first period that saw two U.S. goals overturned by coach’s challenges, the talent gap eventually overwhelmed the Latvian defense.
The second period proved to be the turning point, as Brock Nelson ignited the offense with two goals, both assisted by Jack Hughes. The Americans showcased their depth and puck-moving ability, extending their lead to 4-1 by the second intermission with an additional power-play goal from Tage Thompson. Latvia’s goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins, faced a relentless barrage of 38 shots throughout the game but could do little to stop the precision of the U.S. attack during their dominant middle-frame surge.
Captain Auston Matthews sealed the win in the third period, burying his first career Olympic goal on a power play to make it 5-1. Defensively, Connor Hellebuyck remained steady in net, making 17 saves to preserve the lead.
12:45 p.m.: Today, Team USA can take a critical step towards first place in Group C.
Earlier, Latvia defeated Germany 4-3, meaning that the U.S. would sit alone at the top with a win over the Danish.
The United States continues its Olympic campaign on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 3:10 p.m. ET (9:10 p.m. local time) from the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
The USA vs. Denmark preliminary round matchup will be broadcast nationally on USA Network in the United States and on CBC and TSN in Canada. The game will also be live-streamed on Peacock for U.S. viewers.
Jake Mozarsky joined The Sporting News as an Editorial Intern in August 2025 after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He has previously written for Marquee Sports Network, Chicago This Week, Inside NU and The Daily Northwestern.