The United States remains undefeated in the tournament, having secured a 5-1 victory over Latvia and a 6-3 win against Denmark, following earlier success against Germany. With this latest result, Team USA has clinched first place in their group. Leading the charge for the Americans is Auston Matthews, who has registered five points with three goals and two assists, while Matthew Tkachuk has contributed five assists.
Sweden’s group stage concluded with disappointment. The Scandinavian side narrowly defeated Italy 5-2 in their opening match, but then suffered a tough 4-1 loss to Finland. Despite a 5-3 win over Slovakia, Sam Hallam’s team finished third in the group due to a tiebreaker, as they were surpassed on goal difference in head-to-head matchups.
Sweden quickly took control of their preliminary round playoff game against Latvia, scoring two goals within 41 seconds of the first period and ultimately winning convincingly, 5-1. The Tre Kronor roster is comprised entirely of NHL players. Lucas Raymond of the Detroit Red Wings is currently the team’s leading scorer, ranking second in the tournament with eight points (one goal and seven assists).
2026 Olympics in Milan and Cortina
Team USA continues to dominate at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, powering through the group stage with a perfect record. The Americans’ impressive run, highlighted by Auston Matthews’ strong offensive performance, positions them as a serious contender for the gold medal.
Meanwhile, Sweden overcame a challenging group stage to advance to the playoff round. After a shaky start, the Tre Kronor found their stride against Latvia, showcasing their NHL-laden roster’s potential. Lucas Raymond’s standout play has been crucial for Sweden, and they will look to build on this momentum as the tournament progresses.
The Olympic hockey tournament is heating up as teams battle for a place in the quarterfinals. With several top teams already securing their spots, the competition promises thrilling matchups and intense action on the ice.
