Team USA
Photo courtesy of Christopher Shannon
February 14, 2026

Team USA men’s hockey defeats Denmark in second game of prelims

By Lia Marie Nuzzi
2026 Winter Olympics , hockey , Team USA

On Saturday, the USA men’s hockey team defeated Denmark 6-3. 

First Period

Jermey Swayman of the Boston Bruins made his Olympic debut in goal led Team USA out for the second game of the preliminary rounds. It was a rough start for the USA during the first period as Denmark opened the scoring two minutes in on a goal by Nick Olesen, assisted by Lars Elder (Ottawa Senators) and Oscar Fisker Molgaard.

Shortly after, the USA took action and struck back, with a goal scored by Matt Boldy from the Minnesota Wild to tie the game at one. Quinn Hughes (Wild) and Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes) earned the assists on Boldy’s goal. This was an impressive goal by Boldy, a wrap-around, completing his shot.

 

With over eight minutes remaining in the first period, Nicklas Jensen scored just inside the red line, right past Swayman. Denmark led 2-1 over the USA. Denmark’s goal concluded the first period as the USA put 13 shots on goal, compared to seven for Denmark.

Second Period

The second period was clean, quiet, but fierce for the USA. The team fought to find their groove and get back up the leaderboard.

With over half of the second period remaining, a clean shot by Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators) brought Team USA back up on the board and tied the game two. This was an incredible play by Brady with the help of a quick setup by Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights) for success. 

 

In 57 seconds, Team USA put up two goals. After Eichel set up Brady Tkachuk’s goal, Eichel scored seconds later, giving the USA a 3-2 lead over Denmark. Eichel put up a beautiful right-hand shot, on the short side; absolutely dominating this play with an assist by Brady’s brother, Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers). 

 

With under three minutes remaining in the second, Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers) and Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild) were able to set up a straight shot for Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights), allowing him to sneak a goal past Denmark, giving the USA a two-goal advantage over Denmark, 4-2. 

 

Denmark scored with seconds remaining in the period to make the game 4-3. Phillip Bruggisser, with the help of Lars Eller and Alexander True. Denmark’s goal concludes the second period with the USA leading 4-3. 

Third Period

With one final period to go, tension rose with both teams eager to win. A beautiful goal was scored by Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay Lightning). An assist by Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), the USA Olympic Captain, to send the puck to Guentzel and give the USA a major 5-3 lead over Denmark. 

 

To conclude the third period, an incredible shot by Jack Hughes sent the puck towards the back of Denmark’s net, hitting the back of their goaltender’s pad/skate, and into the net it went. An amazing first Olympic goal for Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils). Hughes has been an unbelievable forward for Team USA and has recorded multiple points in two Olympic Games, alongside his brother Quinn. A talented, skillful playmaker and incredible skater. 

 

Hughes’ goal gave the team a 6-3 lead and called for a huge win over Denmark. 

Both sets of NHL brothers, the Tkachuks and Hughes, have points in these last two Olympic games.

Team USA will next face Germany on Sunday at 3:10 p.m., concluding the preliminary rounds. This is not a game you would want to miss.

Follow along for more live coverage with ONNJ Sports.

About the Author

Lia Marie Nuzzi
New Jersey Devils Lead
  • Lead Reporter for the New Jersey Devils and NHL for ONNJ Sports!
  • Providing you with live coverage, game recaps, and player content.
  • Passionate about Empowering Women in Hockey.

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