Team USA Aims to Sweep Group C, Face Familiar Foe in Germany
As the preliminary round of men’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics wraps up, Team USA finds itself in a position it hasn’t seen in quite some time-loaded with NHL talent, firing on all cylinders, and one win away from sweeping Group C. But standing in the way of a perfect group stage? A German squad that’s no longer content with being a feel-good story.
This isn’t just another game. It’s a measuring stick.
A New Era for USA Hockey
With NHL players back in the Olympics for the first time since 2014, the Americans have brought one of their deepest, most balanced rosters to Milan. Head coach Mike Sullivan has a group that blends elite skill, reliable goaltending, and the kind of sandpaper you need to survive in tournament play.
From Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes to a blue line anchored by Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy, the U.S. has the tools to go the distance. Up front, Auston Matthews wears the "C" and leads a forward group that includes both Tkachuk brothers, Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel, and a host of other NHL stars. There’s no shortage of firepower-or experience.
But names on paper don’t win medals. And Germany is more than capable of proving that.
Germany Is Not Just a Spoiler Anymore
Gone are the days when Germany was just a pesky underdog. This team has evolved into a legitimate threat on the world stage. With Leon Draisaitl-arguably the best passer in the world-and Moritz Seider patrolling the blue line, Germany brings top-tier talent and a chip on its shoulder.
And if Team USA needs a reminder of how dangerous this group can be, they don’t have to look far. Just last year, Germany stunned the Americans in the semifinals of the 2023 IIHF World Championship, pulling off a 4-3 overtime win that derailed the U.S.'s gold medal hopes. That sting is still fresh, and you can bet it’s in the back of this roster’s mind.
What’s at Stake
A win for the U.S. would lock up the top seed in Group C and likely hand them a direct ticket to the Quarterfinals-avoiding the Qualification Playoff round. That’s a big deal in a short tournament where rest and recovery are at a premium.
For Germany, this is about more than playoff positioning. It’s about proving that their 2018 Olympic silver medal wasn’t a fluke, that their rise is real, and that they belong in the same conversation as the hockey powers.
When and Where to Watch
The puck drops on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 3:10 p.m. ET from the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Fans in the U.S. can catch the action live on USA Network or stream it on Peacock, which is carrying every event of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Team USA’s Olympic Schedule
Here’s a look at the Americans' schedule moving forward, depending on how the group stage shakes out:
- Qualification Playoff: Tuesday, Feb. 17 (TBD)
- Quarterfinals: Wednesday, Feb. 18 (TBD)
- Semifinals: Friday, Feb. 20 - 10:40 AM or 3:10 PM ET
- Bronze Medal Game: Saturday, Feb. 21 - 2:40 PM ET
- Gold Medal Game: Sunday, Feb. 22 - 8:10 AM ET
All games will be available on Peacock, with select matchups also airing on NBC and USA Network.
The Roster Breakdown
Here’s who’s suiting up for Team USA in Milan:
Goaltenders
- Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
- Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars)
- Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins)
Defensemen
- Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks)
- Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins) - Alternate Captain
- Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Brock Faber (Minnesota Wild)
- Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators)
- Noah Hanifin (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Jackson LaCombe (Anaheim Ducks)
Forwards
- Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) - Captain
- Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers) - Alternate Captain
- Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators)
- Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)
- Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings)
- Tage Thompson (Buffalo Sabres)
- Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets)
- J.T.
Miller (Vancouver Canucks)
- Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild)
- Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Clayton Keller (Utah Mammoth)
- Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers)
- Brock Nelson (New York Islanders)
With a roster this deep and a chance to make a statement against a dangerous German team, Sunday’s matchup is more than just the end of the group stage-it’s a tone-setter for the rest of the tournament. If Team USA wants to show the world it’s ready to reclaim Olympic hockey glory, this is the moment to start proving it.