With the puck set to drop on February 11th, Team USA is officially in Olympic mode-and all eyes are on Auston Matthews to lead the charge. The Americans are chasing gold in Italy, and if Sunday’s practice lines are any indication, they’re putting their trust in a top unit that’s built to score and built to win.
Top Line Firepower: Matthews, Guentzel, Boldy
Matthews skated on the top line with Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy during Team USA’s latest session, and there’s no mystery to that decision. He wore the ‘C’ for the Americans at the Four Nations Face-Off and held down the same top-line role there. Now, he’s back in familiar territory, anchoring a trio that has the potential to be a game-breaker every time it hits the ice.
Matthews brings the elite scoring touch-he’s a threat from anywhere in the offensive zone and has a knack for elevating his game on the biggest stages. Boldy complements that with his physicality and speed, not to mention his ability to finish plays in tight.
Guentzel, one of the league’s more underrated playmakers, adds the vision and creativity to keep defenses guessing. If this line clicks early, they could set the tone for Team USA throughout the tournament.
Forward Depth and Defensive Pairings Taking Shape
Beyond the top line, the second unit looks just as intriguing. Brady Tkachuk, Jack Eichel, and Matthew Tkachuk formed a high-energy, high-skill trio that could be a nightmare for opponents. That line brings edge, experience, and offensive punch-exactly what you want in a tournament where momentum can swing fast.
The rest of the forward group saw some mixing and matching during rushes, which isn’t unusual this close to puck drop. Coaches are still fine-tuning combinations, but the top six already looks like a serious threat.
On the blue line, the pairings are shaping up with a mix of mobility, shutdown ability, and playoff-tested experience:
- Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy bring a dynamic blend of puck-moving and defensive savvy.
- Jaccob Slavin and Brock Faber offer a steady, shutdown pairing with strong positioning and great stick work.
- Zach Werenski and Noah Hanifin give the Americans another mobile duo that can jump into the rush.
- Jake Sanderson and Jackson LaCombe round out the group, offering depth and versatility.
This is a defense corps that can skate, move the puck, and defend in layers-a must in Olympic play, where transition games can decide outcomes.
Matthews: The Heartbeat of Team USA
Matthews isn’t just a top-line center-he’s the emotional and tactical centerpiece of this roster. His resume with the U.S. national program is extensive: from the U18s and World Juniors to the World Championship and most recently the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off.
In 39 games wearing the red, white, and blue, he’s tallied 48 points. That kind of production speaks for itself.
But it’s not just about points. It’s about presence.
Matthews brings a calm intensity and a confidence that filters down through the lineup. He’s been in pressure-packed moments before and knows how to rise to the occasion.
And while the focus right now is squarely on Olympic gold, there’s no doubt the Maple Leafs are watching closely. Toronto is six points out of a playoff spot, and they’ll need Matthews to carry any Olympic momentum back into the final stretch of the NHL season. If he finds his rhythm in Italy, it could be the spark the Leafs need to make a push.
A Long-Awaited Return for NHL Stars
This tournament also marks a long-awaited return for NHL players on the Olympic stage-the first time since 2014. That alone makes this event must-watch hockey.
For fans, it’s a chance to see the best of the best represent their countries. For players like Matthews, it’s a shot at legacy.
Team USA has the talent. They’ve got the depth. And with Matthews leading the way, they’ve got a shot at something special.