Olympic Men’s Hockey: Day 2 Delivers Firepower, Shutouts, and Statement Wins in Milan
If Day 1 of Olympic men’s hockey was the appetizer, Day 2 brought the full-course meal - and it didn’t disappoint. Four games, two groups, a pair of shutouts, and some early tournament fireworks from the sport’s biggest names. From powerhouse performances to gritty underdog efforts, this was elite hockey at its finest.
Let’s break down the action from Milan.
🇨🇭 Switzerland 4, 🇫🇷 France 0
Swiss depth overwhelms shorthanded France
Switzerland wasted no time flexing its muscle in Group A. Facing a French squad without a single active NHL player, the Swiss came out flying - and never let up.
France leaned heavily on veteran Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to provide leadership and stability, but things started off on the wrong foot when he took a penalty just 36 seconds in. That opened the door for Switzerland’s Damien Riat to strike on the power play, and the Swiss were off and running.
Christian Marti added another before the first period was out, setting the tone early.
The second period was tighter, but the Swiss never lost control. Then came the third, and that’s when NHL forward Timo Meier took over. Meier scored twice to put the game out of reach and remind everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous players in the tournament.
Switzerland outshot France 43-27 and looked the part of a serious medal contender. Goaltender Leonardo Genoni, a legend in Swiss hockey, turned away every shot he faced to notch the shutout.
🇨🇦 Canada 5, 🇨🇿 Czechia 0
Canada’s stars shine bright in statement win
Canada came into this one looking to reassert its dominance on the Olympic stage - and they did just that with a clinical, complete performance against a tough Czechia team.
The game had pace from the start. Both teams traded chances early, but it was Canada who generated the higher-danger looks.
Nathan MacKinnon thought he had opened the scoring, only to see the goal wiped out by a penalty. No matter - the breakthrough came soon after.
Macklin Celebrini, the 2025 first overall pick and one of the most talked-about young stars in hockey, tipped home Canada’s first goal of the tournament late in the opening frame. That opened the floodgates.
The second period saw Canada shift into another gear. Mitch Marner floated a gorgeous backhand saucer pass over a defender to Mark Stone, who made no mistake. Then Brad Marchand, doing what he does best, battled down low and set up Bo Horvat for a breakaway goal that made it 3-0.
Canada’s only concern came when defenseman Josh Morrissey exited with an injury late in the first and didn’t return. His status will be one to watch.
In the third, the big guns closed it out. MacKinnon scored on a power play set up by Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby - a trio that sounds like a dream team and played like one. Nick Suzuki added a fifth after a McDavid shot deflected off him and in.
Jordan Binnington was sharp all night, turning aside all 26 shots he faced for the shutout. Canada didn’t just win - they dominated all three zones, controlled the tempo, and sent a message to the rest of the field.
🇩🇪 Germany 3, 🇩🇰 Denmark 1
Grubauer stands tall as Germany grinds out win
This one had the feel of a chess match from the opening faceoff. Two teams with a mix of NHL and European talent, both capable of making noise in Group C - and it was Germany who made the early statement.
Leon Draisaitl wasted no time, redirecting a puck into the net just 23 seconds in to give Germany the lead. Denmark answered midway through the first when Nikolaj Ehlers created a chance that Oscar Moelgaard finished with a slick tip-in.
But the second period belonged to Germany - and to Tim Stützle.
The young Ottawa Senators star scored twice, first on a one-timer and then again on a fluky bounce that deflected off a Danish defender on the power play. Sometimes you earn your bounces, and Germany’s pressure made that luck possible.
Denmark peppered Philipp Grubauer with 38 shots overall, including 16 in the second period alone, but the German netminder was locked in. He finished with 37 saves, anchoring a win that showed Germany’s ability to win tight, grinding games.
🇺🇸 United States 5, 🇱🇻 Latvia 1
Tkachuk brothers, Nelson lead U.S. past feisty Latvia
Latvia always brings a gritty, disciplined game to international play - and for a while, it gave the U.S. all it could handle.
The Americans struck early when Matthew Tkachuk set up his brother Brady for a tap-in goal. But Latvia didn’t blink. After a disallowed U.S. goal for offside, Renars Krastenbergs capitalized on a net-front scramble to tie the game 1-1.
Latvia nearly took the lead moments later when a loose puck sat untouched in the crease, but they couldn’t punch it in. Meanwhile, the U.S. hit a post and a crossbar before the first period ended, keeping things level.
Then came the second - and Brock Nelson took over.
The Islanders forward scored twice in the period, including one on a beautiful passing sequence that was all precision and timing. Tage Thompson added another, and suddenly the U.S. had a firm grip on the game.
Latvian goaltender Elvis Merzlikins faced a barrage and looked fatigued by the end of the second. Arturs Silovs came in for the third, but the Americans didn’t slow down. Auston Matthews cashed in on an early power play to make it 5-1, and from there, Team USA managed the game with poise and control.
Connor Hellebuyck was solid in net, and the U.S. showed off its depth, speed, and chemistry - all while overcoming some early adversity.
What’s Next in Group Play
Group A - February 13
- 🇫🇷 France vs.
🇨🇿 Czechia
- 🇨🇦 Canada vs.
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Group C - February 14
- 🇩🇪 Germany vs.
🇱🇻 Latvia
- 🇺🇸 United States vs.
🇩🇰 Denmark
Four games in, and we’ve already seen dominant performances, goaltending clinics, and highlight-reel goals. The stars are shining, the underdogs are scrapping, and the intensity is only rising. Buckle up - Olympic hockey is just getting started.