Scores and questions from the USA Hockey Team’s win against Denmark

The match was more dramatic than many expected, but the final result was a 6-3 victory for the United States over Denmark.

The United States now has two wins from two matches, which puts them at the top of the Group C standings heading into Sunday’s showdown against Germany.

The United States team trailed 2-1 in the first half, before it rose up and scored three goals in the second half, and was able to keep Denmark at bay until the end, as Jake Guentzel and Jack Hughes scored insurance goals.

Here’s what we learned in the competition, plus the team’s overall score and the big questions to ponder before Team USA’s next match.

Takeaway 1: Was Jeremy Swayman built for this moment?

He didn’t play like that against Denmark. The Boston goaltender allowed three goals on just 12 shots, one of which was an ice slam by Danish League stalwart defenseman Nick Jensen, and the other a point shot by another Danish League player, Philipp Brugesier, with less than three seconds remaining in the second period.

It was a far cry from Connor Hellebuyck’s near-perfect performance in the USA’s 5-1 win over Latvia to open the tournament.

Swayman had plenty of time to rest and prepare for his first Olympic appearance, and frankly, he couldn’t have been worse individually.

The United States is in a back-to-back position heading into Germany on Sunday, so Swayman wouldn’t have gotten back into that position right away anyway. But his shaky performance puts the USA’s goalkeeping depth under the microscope as they take what should be their toughest game to the finish line (whatever that turns out to be).

Takeaway 2: When the US offensive attack starts flowing, it gets dangerous

Case in point: the connection between Auston Matthews and Jake Guentzel for the Americans’ fifth goal of the game, a stunning goal from Guentzel that sparked a wild celebration from the Lightning forward.

Pick your spot Jake Guentzel. 😤 #Winter Olympics pic.twitter.com/bQvPjsa5kq

– NBC Olympics and Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 14, 2026

What has worked just as well—or even better—for the United States is how it has gotten offensive contributions from everywhere. Whether it was Matt Boldy who tied the game early, or Brady Tkachuk and Jack Eichel who turned clean slate wins into second-half goals, there wasn’t one forward doing all the heavy lifting. This is a good sign that the United States is moving forward.

Takeaway 3: Jack Hughes looks very strong as a winger

Coach Mike Sullivan moved the New Jersey Devils’ pivot from his usual position to flank Brock Nelson instead (with JT Miller on the other wing). This turnaround has helped Hughes put together two strong matches to start this tournament. Hughes has more freedom in attacking play with Nelson, and it is clear from his new energy and pace that the change has done him some good.

Sullivan has had to manage everyone’s ice time — especially given the amount of talent there is to work with — but Hughes could play himself and his line in some extra shifts in upcoming games. There were some questions about Hughes heading to the Olympics given that his NHL season was not up to Hughes’ usual standards. He seems to be thriving with this new mission. We may have yet to see how good Hughes can be in this high-pressure situation.

Jack Hughes gives Team USA plenty of cushions. #Winter Olympics pic.twitter.com/GPq8hbkHwk

– NBC Sports (@NBCSports) February 14, 2026

Every skater has a job to do. Tkachuk’s younger brother happened to play his role very well on Saturday. He is the spark plug of Americans, their engine, and their heart. Whatever you want to call it.

Tkachuk plays every shift like it’s his last, and every second of ice time means something to him. When he scored to make it 2-2, it was as if he had executed a counter-attack for the USA which gave everyone even more fame.

Sometimes his reputation as a physical force overshadows Tkachuk’s infectious energy, but that may not even be what makes him an asset to Team USA. When his teammates are down, Tkachuk can be counted on to pick them up. This is something a winning team can always use.

The big question: How will the United States be able to withstand a brilliant German lineup?

Latvia and Denmark were ideal opponents to ease the United States into the tournament. What comes Sunday with Germany could be the first important test for the Americans.

Leon Draisaitl is a huge star in his own right, and Tim Stutzle was excellent in the German’s 3-1 win over Denmark. The USA has its own set of stars, but they will also have the task of assembling some of the best skaters in the NHL on the other side of the ice.

There may also be adjustments Sullivan wants to make — or ones he chooses to keep after Saturday’s win. Will there be any substitutions for the United States outside of goalkeeping? Or is Sullivan ready to commit to whoever will carry this group to the so-called promised land?

The time for adjustments is short, and now is the time, so Sullivan must feel confident in how he will beat the American skaters in a final rehearsal before the knockout round begins.

Overall team grade: A-

We have to give the Americans a purely partial score because of Swayman (those goals only I cannot It happens) and the second consecutive sloppy first period.

The United States performed well in almost every other respect, and in the end dealt with the Danes as expected.

Their scoring depth has really shined, the team’s defense was stifling in the second half against Denmark in particular, and the team overall seems to be settling in with some good chemistry. Now it’s a matter of how well they can raise their level against Germany, and remain at their strongest when the quarter-finals begin.