On February 15, Team USA Men’s Hockey played Germany at 3:10 p.m. E.T., at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Team USA had back-to-back games this weekend, with Sunday’s game concluding the Men’s Group C preliminary rounds.
First Period:
Team USA had a rough first period to start their first two games, not having the best result in the opening 20. However, the first period against Germany was an incredible start for the United States.
Offensively and defensively, Team USA outperformed themselves. With seconds remaining in the first, Zack Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets) was able to find the back of the net and give his team the lead, 1-0, with the help of Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs). A great start for the US and an impressive way to end the first period with nine seconds remaining.
Second Period:
Heading into the second period, Team USA stood their ground and Matthews was able to score on the power play, giving USA a 2-0 advantage over Germany. With Matthew Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators) to Quinn Hughes (Minnesota Wild), off the rebound of Q. Hughes shot into the curve of Matthews stick to secure the 2-0 lead.
This counts as Q. Hughes’ fourth assist during his Olympic career and M. Tkachuk’s fourth as well.
With under three minutes remaining in the second period, defenseman Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild) put up a goal, which lifted USA by three (3-0). The young defenseman’s goal was assisted by both Brady (1) and Matthew Tkachuk (5). An incredible play by M. Tkachuk, getting the puck to Faber allowing for a straight and clean shot.
Third Period:
Team USA leads 3-0 to start the third period. However, just a minute and 55 seconds into the third, Tage Thompson (Buffalo Sabres) came in clutch with a clean shot right through Germany’s net, putting USA up 4-0. This adds to Thompson’s second goal during the Olympic preliminary rounds. Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings) and Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators) earned the assists.
Matthews leads the celebration line as USA leads 5-0. A quick reaction from Matthews to sneak the puck in. Two goals and an assist for the team USA Captain. Sanderson and Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights) picked up the assists. What a goal to add to USA’s lead, outdoing Germany.
With under half of the third period remaining (8:38), Germany had their first opportunity to get on the board. A nice goal by Tim Stutzle (Ottawa Senators), broke the shutout. Stutzle’s fourth goal in the Olympics, he is tied with Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks), who is on Team Canada for the amount of goals so far in the Olympics. USA continues to lead 5-1.
Team USA wrapped up Group C with an incredible 3-0 lead, clinching first spot of Group C. Team USA will move onto the 2026 Winter Olympic quarterfinals. Concluding Sunday’s game with a 5-1 over Germany. USA will play on Wednesday against the winning team that plays on Tuesday, February 17.
Find the quarterfinals on both NBC, USA Network, and Peacock streaming services.
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