The United States hit the ice for game two of the group stage at Milano Coritina 2026 on Saturday. They played Denmark. The USA is was first place in Group C. They had a record of 1-0-0. The Americans were coming off a win after defeating Latvia in their opening game of the tournament. Denmark entered the game in last place in Group C. They had a record of 0-1-0. Denmark opened the tournament with a loss to Germany.
Saturday’s Group C encounter between the United States and Denmark set the tone early in the preliminary round as a meaningful test of depth, identity, and execution for both sides. The Americans, widely regarded as a medal favorite, came into this matchup riding momentum from a 5-1 victory over Latvia in their opener in Milan. Denmark, meanwhile, had a tougher start to its Olympic campaign with a 3-1 loss to Germany, a result that underscored some of the challenges this smaller hockey nation faced against deeper international competition. Team USA’s offensive attack had not been reliant on one or two stars. The goal distribution against Latvia saw multiple contributors get on the scoresheet, with Brock Nelson delivering a two-goal night and key secondary assists from top forwards and defensemen alike. That balance mattered here, as Denmark’s defense needed to track across all four lines to slow the USA attack. Against Latvia, the Americans made their power play count and generated high-quality looks at even strength. Head coach strategies were expected to lean into these strengths again: controlling the puck in the offensive zone, cycling with precision, and finding seams off the rush. Denmark’s penalty kill needed to be sharp to frustrate the USA’s transition game. Although Denmark was an underdog, its roster included seasoned NHL talent like Nikolaj Ehlers and goalie Frederik Andersen, players capable of tipping the balance in tight moments. Their blend of skill and experience gave Denmark a chance to disrupt the pace, especially if they leaned into a disciplined defensive structure and timely counterattacks.
A minute into the game, Denmark took the lead. Nick Olesen scored the opening goal of the game. His goal was assisted by Oscar Moelgaard and Mikkel Aagaard. The United States responded with a goal in the third minute of the game. Matt Brody scored the goal. His goal was assisted by Quinn Hughes and Jaccob Slavin.
Four minutes into the game, Dylan Larkin of the USA was called for holding. With nine minutes left in the first period, Denmark retook the lead. Nicholas B Jensen scored the go-ahead goal for Denmark. His goal was assisted by Malte Setkov. Denmark had a 2-1 lead after the first period.
Three minutes into the second period, Patrick Russell of Denmark was called for slashing. Nine minutes into the second period, the United States scored the equalizer. Brady Tkachuk scored the goal. His goal was assisted by Jack Eichel.
Less than a minute later, Jack Eichel scored to give the United States the lead. His goal was assisted by Matthew Tkachuk.
With under three minutes left in the second period, Noah Hanifin scored to give the United States a two-goal lead. His goal was assisted by Vincent Trocheck and Brock Faber.
With three seconds left in the second period, Denmark scored to bring the lead down to one goal. Phillip Bruggisser scored the goal. His goal was assisted by Nikolaj Ehlers and Alexander True. The United States was leading 4-3 heading into the third period.
Seven minutes into the third period, the United States scored. Jake Guentzel scored the goal. Austin Matthews got the assist. This goal gave the USA another two-goal lead.
Eight minutes into the second period, Austin Matthews of the USA was called for cross-checking. With nine minutes left in the game, Denmark had to replace their goaltender due to injury. Mads Sogaard was out. Frederik Dichow was in. With six minutes left in the game, Jack Hughes scored to give the United States a three-goal lead. His goal was assisted by Brock Nelson.
With five minutes left in the game, Christian Wejse of Denmark was called for hooking. With two minutes left in the game, Matt Boldy of the USA was called for delaying the game. The final score was 6-3, United States.
The United States outshot Denmark 47-21. Jermay Swayman saved 18 of 21 shots for a 85% save percentage for the USA. Mads Sogaard saved 32 of 37 shots for a 86% save percentage for Denmark. Frederick Dichow saved 9 of 10 shots for a 90% save percentage for Denmark. The USA went 0-for-2 on the power play. Denmark went 0-for-3 on the power play.
Denmark played beyond expectations in this game. Once the USA started rolling, Denmark could not keep up. The USA was too hot in this game.
With this result, the United States improved to 2-0-0. They remained undefeated. They were in the lead in Group C. They were the only team in Group C to have six points. The United States were in a quarterfinal position.
Next up: Germany. The Americans Played Germany on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, at 12:10 PM in their final group-stage game at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Zac Electrifly 
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