Team USA Rallies Past Denmark 6-3 as Brady Tkachuk Sparks Physical, Emotional Win
Saturday, February 14, 2026 (ET) — Team USA shook off a shaky start and pulled away for a 6-3 victory over Denmark in group-stage play at the Milan–Cortina Olympics. The Americans got goals from six different players and outshot the Danes 47-21, leaving the U. S. 2-0 in pool play but still searching for cleaner, more consistent hockey.
Tkachuk drags teammates into the fight
Brady Tkachuk set the tone early with physical, relentless play that boiled over into both shoves and scoring. Less than three minutes into the game he engaged in a bruising battle along the boards and repeatedly pestered Denmark’s defenders, turning the contest into a more emotional, physical affair. His intensity carried into the second period when he buried a key goal to tie the game and shift momentum to the Americans.
Coach Mike Sullivan summed up Tkachuk’s impact bluntly: "He's a beast. His energy is contagious. " The forward's approach — a blend of agitator toughness and scoring touch — repeatedly wrenched possessions and created second-chance opportunities for the U. S. That combination of edge and offense has become central to how this roster thinks it must play on the Olympic stage.
Balanced scoring, big shot margin, lingering concerns
Offense came from all over the lineup. Matt Boldy, Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, Jake Guentzel and Jack Hughes joined Tkachuk on the scoresheet, giving the U. S. a diverse attack that opponents will have trouble planning for. Jack Hughes’ goal provided added breathing room as the clock wound down, allowing the Americans to manage the final minutes with more control.
Statistically, the night belonged to the U. S. The 47-21 shots advantage told the story of territorial dominance, and the depth of scoring suggested this team can run opponents ragged when everyone contributes. Yet the win also exposed vulnerabilities. There were stretches of sloppy execution, turnovers in dangerous areas and moments when Denmark, a team with far fewer NHL regulars, made the stronger plays. Those lapses are a reminder that dominant outcomes can mask work that still needs to be done before elimination rounds.
What the victory means moving forward
With the win, the Americans are comfortably positioned in pool play, but the tone in the locker room is likely to stay circumspect. Beating Denmark 6-3 is a necessary step; playing with sharper detail, faster support play and cleaner defensive coverage will be essential if this roster hopes to match up with the tournament favorites later on.
Special attention will fall on how the coaching staff tightens structure without dulling the team’s physical identity. Tkachuk’s edge is a feature, not a bug, but it must be channeled into disciplined pressure rather than penalties or needless risk. If Team USA can harness its energy and pair it with better two-way consistency, the multiple goal scorers on this night suggest the lineup has the scoring depth to be a legitimate threat in the knockout rounds.
For now, the Americans leave Milan with a 2-0 record and a victory that felt both necessary and incomplete — a performance big on heart and goals but still short on polish. The next phase of the tournament will quickly reveal whether this group can convert flashes of dominance into steady, championship-level hockey.
