Team USA Dominates Germany Without Eichel - And Noah Hanifin Is a Big Reason Why
Team USA closed out Group C play with authority, steamrolling Germany 5-1 and sending a clear message to the rest of the Olympic field: this team doesn’t need Jack Eichel to shine. While Canada locked up the No. 1 seed, the Americans looked every bit like a gold medal contender in this one - deep, disciplined, and dangerous from the blue line out.
Auston Matthews led the scoring charge with a pair of goals, while Tage Thompson, Zach Werenski, and Brock Faber each added one of their own. Germany managed a late goal from Tim Stützle, but by then, the damage was long done. This was Team USA’s game from the drop.
The storyline that stands out? Noah Hanifin’s quietly excellent performance - again.
Hanifin Keeps Making His Presence Felt
Jack Eichel may have been held off the scoresheet, registering just two shots, but it didn’t matter. The U.S. didn’t need their star center to carry the load, thanks in part to the kind of depth and versatility that Hanifin brings to the ice.
Hanifin picked up an assist on one of Matthews' goals - a slick redirection from Jake Sanderson that found the top shelf and made it 5-0. Hanifin didn’t even register a shot on goal in the game, but his fingerprints were all over the action. That’s been the story of his Olympic tournament so far: effective, efficient, and quietly impactful.
The Boston native has been one of the more under-the-radar standouts for Team USA, providing both defensive stability and offensive upside from the back end. And if the Americans are going to make a serious run at Canada, they’ll need more of that.
Why Hanifin's Role Is So Valuable
Team USA’s blue line is shaping up to be one of its biggest strengths. With puck-moving defensemen like Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes, the Americans can transition out of their zone with speed and precision - a nightmare for opponents trying to establish any kind of forecheck.
But Hanifin brings something slightly different to the mix. He’s not just a puck mover - he’s a legitimate offensive threat.
Whether it’s jumping into the rush, finding deflections, or picking corners, he’s shown the kind of scoring touch that adds another layer to the U.S. attack. Golden Knights fans have seen it over the past three seasons, where Hanifin has notched 14 goals and 57 assists in 146 games.
That kind of production from the blue line isn’t just helpful - it’s game-changing.
And while Canada may have the edge in top-line firepower, Team USA’s defense corps might just be the great equalizer. Hanifin’s ability to contribute offensively while locking things down in his own zone gives the U.S. a two-way weapon that few teams can match.
Defensive Impact Against Germany
Let’s not forget Hanifin’s work in his own end. Germany rolled out some serious talent - Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stützle, and others - but they were largely neutralized. The Germans managed just one goal, and much of that had to do with how effectively Hanifin and the rest of the U.S. defense closed down shooting lanes and disrupted passing options.
Hanifin’s size and positioning were on full display, making life easier for Connor Hellebuyck in net. That kind of defensive performance doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it’s exactly what coaches and teammates notice - and rely on.
Looking Ahead
There are still areas Team USA needs to clean up. Slow starts and puck management have popped up as issues at times during the tournament. But Hanifin’s experience - particularly what he’s learned during his time in Vegas - could be crucial in helping the team stay composed and correct course when needed.
He’s not the flashiest name on the roster, and he might not fill up the stat sheet every night. But Noah Hanifin is proving to be one of the most important pieces on this U.S. team. If the Americans are going to take down the powerhouse that is Team Canada, they’ll need more of what he’s been bringing: poised, two-way hockey that tilts the ice in their favor.