Brady Tkachuk drags USA hockey to comeback win in Milan; Greenland flag moment sparks reaction
MILAN — Brady Tkachuk turned a tense preliminary-round night into a statement performance, muscling Team USA back into a 6-3 victory over Denmark on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 (ET). The game showcased Tkachuk's blend of physicality and timely scoring, while an unusual fan display — supporters waving Greenland's flag — became a talking point inside the arena.
Tkachuk's physical leadership sparks comeback
Less than three minutes into the matchup, Tkachuk was in the thick of it, battling Denmark's Alexander True along the boards and setting the tone with relentless pressure. The opening period featured close-quarters scraps in front of the net, including a heated exchange with Oliver Lauridsen that left Tkachuk with his stick and a raised fist planted in the fray. Those moments were a prelude to the turning point: a midgame goal that shifted momentum and energized a U. S. side that had trailed early.
U. S. coach Mike Sullivan summed up Tkachuk's impact bluntly: "He's a beast. His energy is contagious. He's so vocal on the bench, in between periods. He's a positive guy. He drags everybody into the fight, literally and figuratively. " The coach also stressed that Tkachuk's game is more than brute force, praising his hockey sense and overall skill even as the winger's reputation for heavy minutes in the penalty box persists.
For large stretches, Tkachuk played like a man on a mission, hunting loose pucks, standing in front of the net and pushing the pace. His celebration after the go-ahead goal — full of fist pumps, pointed fingers and a broad grin — carried a simple message: pride in wearing the red, white and blue. "It's a pretty cool feeling scoring for your country, " Tkachuk said after the win.
Greenland flag sparks a European solidarity gesture
Beyond the ice, a small but visible moment drew attention: two fans raised the flag of Greenland during the U. S. -Denmark game. The supporters said the action was intended as a gesture of European solidarity with the island and with Denmark, not as a provocation. The flag appeared among a sea of cheering spectators as the contest unfolded, briefly becoming part of the evening's storyline.
The scene underscored how Olympic hockey can magnify off-ice narratives. Fans packed the arena, cheering big plays from players such as Jack Hughes while also turning to regional and cultural symbols in the stands. Organizers and security maintained order throughout the match, and the crowd's energy largely stayed focused on the competition.
What this means for USA hockey's Olympic push
The victory offers a jolt of momentum for the Americans in the group stage. The game laid bare a dependable formula for this roster: high tempo, uncompromising physicality and leaders who refuse to let a soft start define the outcome. Tkachuk's presence — a mix of scrappy intimidation and scoring touch — appears to be a central plank of that identity. Team members and staff repeatedly pointed to his infectious energy and vocal leadership as catalysts for the comeback.
Looking ahead, the U. S. will want to refine discipline while keeping the edge that produced Saturday's result. If the team can balance aggression with situational poise, it will be well-positioned to carry the feel-good win into the next stage of the Olympic schedule.
For now, Tkachuk's brand of relentlessness and a curious fan moment about Greenland will be among the images lingering from Milan on Feb. 14, 2026 (ET).
