Olympic Showdown: Germany Tops Denmark 3-1 as Kraken Rookie Oscar Fisker Molgaard Nets First Goal
In a matchup that brought a little extra intrigue for Seattle Kraken fans, Germany took down Denmark 3-1 in Olympic group play, and the game featured a unique twist: Kraken rookie Oscar Fisker Molgaard scored his first-ever Olympic goal - and he did it against his NHL teammate, Philipp Grubauer.
It was a battle between two of Seattle’s Olympic representatives, with Molgaard skating for Denmark and Grubauer holding down the crease for Germany. And while the final score favored the Germans, this one had plenty of storylines worth watching.
Germany Strikes Early, Denmark Pushes Back
Germany wasted no time setting the tone. Just 23 seconds in, Leon Draisaitl - who’s been as reliable as they come for both the Oilers and his national team - opened the scoring. It was a gut punch for Denmark, but to their credit, they didn’t fold.
In fact, the Danes came out firing, outshooting Germany 38-26 over the course of the game. They were aggressive on the forecheck, created traffic in front of the net, and tested Grubauer repeatedly. But while they had the shot volume, Germany had the finish.
Molgaard Makes His Mark
The brightest moment for Denmark came just past the halfway point of the game, when 18-year-old Oscar Fisker Molgaard - who’s been splitting time between the Kraken and AHL affiliate Coachella Valley - found the back of the net. And it wasn’t just any goal. Molgaard beat Grubauer from in tight, a slick finish that gave Denmark a jolt and marked a major milestone for the young forward: his first Olympic goal.
For Molgaard, it’s a moment that will stick. Scoring on the Olympic stage is special.
Scoring your first against your NHL teammate? That’s one for the memory bank.
Stützle Takes Over, Grubauer Shuts the Door
Germany didn’t let Molgaard’s goal shift the momentum for long. In the second period, Tim Stützle took control, scoring twice to give Germany a cushion they wouldn’t relinquish. The Ottawa Senators star showcased the kind of skill and poise that’s made him one of the NHL’s most exciting young players - and a key piece of Germany’s Olympic hopes.
Meanwhile, Grubauer was locked in from start to finish. Despite facing 38 shots, he stood tall, turning away 37 - including 14 in the third period alone. He was calm under pressure, tracking pucks through traffic and keeping Denmark from clawing back into it.
What’s Next
For Denmark, the road doesn’t get any easier. They’ll face Team USA next - a squad loaded with NHL talent and widely considered one of the tournament’s top contenders. It’s a tough turnaround, but if they can carry over the compete level and shot generation they showed against Germany, they’ll have a fighting chance.
Germany, on the other hand, will look to keep rolling against Latvia. With a roster featuring Draisaitl, Stützle, J.J.
Peterka, Moritz Seider, and Grubauer, this team has the tools to make a deep run. They’re not just a dark horse - they’re a legitimate threat.
And for Kraken fans? This game was a glimpse into the future. Molgaard’s development continues to trend upward, and Grubauer’s Olympic form is a welcome sign heading into the NHL season’s home stretch.
