Tkachuk brothers drive Team USA chemistry as U.S. men prepare for Denmark on Feb. 14
Family lines and sibling rivalries have provided the emotional engine for Team USA at the Milano Cortina Games, with the tkachuk brothers — Matthew and Brady — emerging as both scorers and agitators. The pair helped spark a convincing opening victory and will be counted on again when the Americans meet Denmark on Feb. 14 at 3: 10 pm ET.
Tkachuk brothers set the tone on and off the ice
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk wasted little time making their presence felt in the tournament opener, combining on the game's first goal to put the U. S. ahead early. The Tkachuks' physical brand of hockey and petulant edge have energized teammates and created matchup headaches for opponents. Their blend of skill and grit is no surprise given the family pedigree — their father, Keith, is a four-time Olympian — and it shows in how they tilt momentum and create space for linemates.
Matthew has also been a story of resilience. After surgery this past August to repair a torn adductor and sports hernia, he returned to competitive form this winter and has stressed that he feels "at my best. " Limited regular-season minutes were followed by a handful of tune-up games in January; those outings helped him regain game speed and chemistry with the players he skates alongside. Coaches have slotted him into a high-impact right-wing role with a top center and his brother Brady down the left side, a configuration that paid off against Latvia.
Broader family threads and NHL depth bolster Team USA
Family narratives run deep across the roster. Forward Brock Nelson carries a multigenerational legacy of Olympic gold into this tournament, and brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes are delivering playmaking and stability from center and the blue line. In the opener, the Hughes brothers each recorded two assists, an early sign that the team's internal chemistry is translating into production.
The Americans' opening win was a full-team effort: goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 17 saves, ten different skaters tallied points, and the power play produced two goals. The roster is heavy with NHL experience, and that depth means the U. S. can roll multiple lines that are capable of matching up with any opponent for extended minutes. The Tkachuk brothers' combination of penalty-drawing, physical finishes and finishing touch is expected to be a recurring asset throughout the tournament.
What to watch vs. Denmark on Feb. 14
Denmark brings its own top-end talent and six NHL players, including a prominent forward and a veteran netminder who can frustrate shooters with size and positioning. The Danes opened play with a narrow loss, so expect them to come in hungry and structured, looking to capitalize on transition opportunities and the occasional power play.
Key matchups to monitor: how the U. S. skin-checks Denmark’s forecheckers, whether the Tkachuk pair can force turnovers and convert on half-chances, and how well the American penalty kill handles a disciplined Danish power play. Goaltending will be pivotal; Hellebuyck's early save total shows the Americans can rely on steady netminding, but Denmark's ability to create second-chance opportunities presents a distinct challenge.
Beyond tactics, the emotional threads — brothers skating together, veteran family legacies, and a roster stacked with NHL talent — give the U. S. a cohesion that could prove decisive in tight games. The matchup on Feb. 14 at 3: 10 pm ET will offer a clearer barometer of how those intangible bonds translate when opponents press and mistakes become more costly.
For now, Team USA rides momentum built on sibling chemistry, established NHL bodies, and an unmistakable appetite for gold. The tkachuk brothers figure to be at the center of that pursuit.
