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 in their first two games, not having the best results in the opening 20 minutes. 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 period, Zack Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets) was able to find the back of the net and give his team the 1-0 lead 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 the USA a 2-0 advantage over Germany. Matthew Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators) passed to Quinn Hughes (Minnesota Wild), who took the initial shot, but it Hughes’ shot deflected. However, the deflection found Matthews’ stick and he then buried his shot to secure the 2-0 lead.
This counts as Hughes’ fourth assist during his Olympic career and Tkachuk’s fourth as well.
With under three minutes remaining in the second period, defenseman Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild) scored a goal, putting the US ahead by three (3-0). The young defenseman’s goal was assisted by both Brady (1) and Tkachuk (5). It was an incredible play by Tkachuk, getting the puck to Faber allowing for a straight and clean shot.
Third Period:
Team USA led 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 into Germany’s net, putting the USA up 4-0. The goal was Thompson’s second during of the Olympic preliminary rounds. Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings) and Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators) earned the assists.
A quick reaction from Matthews to sneak the puck past the German goalie extended the US’s lead to 5-0 and gave the the team USA Captain two goals and an assist for the game. 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. It was Stutzle’s fourth goal in the Olympics tying him with Canada’s Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks) for most goals so far in the Olympics. The USA continued to lead 5-1.
Team USA wrapped up Group C with an incredible 3-0record, clinching the first place out of Group C. Team USA will move onto the 2026 Winter Olympic quarterfinals after concluding Sunday’s game with a 5-1 victory over Germany. The US will play on Wednesday against the winning team that plays on Tuesday, February 17.
Find the quarterfinals on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock streaming services.
Follow ONNJ Sports for more coverage and the latest updates regarding the 2026 Winter Olympics.
