USA cruises past Germany 5-1 to finish perfect in preliminary round at Milano Cortina 2026

Team USA closed the preliminary round undefeated, sweeping Group C with a 5-1 victory over Germany on Sunday. Auston Matthews led the way with two goals and an assist in a disciplined performance that pushed the Americans into the quarterfinals.

Matthews, depth and discipline power the U. S.

Matthews was the centerpiece of an even attack. He scored twice and set up another, earning praise from teammates for his quiet but steady leadership. "He’s been great all tournament, " Jake Guentzel said. "You guys put a lot of heat on him for no reason. He’s just an unbelievable player and he plays in all situations. "

Zach Werenski, Brock Faber and Tage Thompson also found the net for the United States. Werenski broke a scoreless tie late in the first period with a snap shot just 8. 7 seconds before the horn, giving the Americans momentum they would not surrender. Germany’s lone goal came from Tim Stutzle.

Beyond the scoring, U. S. goaltending and structure held firm. The Americans have repeatedly flipped slow starts into decisive second-period bursts during the preliminary slate, and this game followed a similar arc: steady defense, opportunistic transition play and finishing when chances arrived.

Turning points, overturned goals and emotion on the ice

The contest featured tense moments that could have swung the scoreboard. Earlier in the tournament the U. S. had goals overturned on challenges; in this game, Jack Eichel appeared to score late in the first period only to have the goal waved off after the whistle was blown to protect the German goalie when he lost his blocker and his hand was exposed. Referee Wes McCauley intervened, and the call stood despite visible displeasure from the American bench and nearby fans.

That sequence mattered little in the end. After the non-goal, the United States won the ensuing offensive-zone faceoff and Werenski’s late-period strike provided a lift heading into the second. The U. S. rode that energy, converting opportunities and keeping Germany off balance with a mix of controlled zone time and quick strikes.

Veteran players also provided color and intensity. Matthew Tkachuk was vocal on the ice, and teammates highlighted the captain’s effect beyond the scoresheet. "He does a lot of things really well even when he’s not producing that people might not notice, " Werenski said. "Everyone’s always focused on his goal scoring, and rightfully so... But since we’ve been here he’s been such a leader for us. "

Now comes the knockout stage

With the sweep of Group C, the United States advances directly to the quarterfinal round and will face the winner of the Sweden–Latvia matchup. Germany will head into the playoff round to meet France. The men's tournament takes an off day on Monday, with the playoff round kicking off Tuesday and the U. S. scheduled to return to the ice on Wednesday (all times listed in Eastern Time).

The Americans will head into the break with confidence and a roster showing chemistry across lines, but questions about first-period starts and the occasional refereeing controversy will follow. For now, the primary takeaway is simple: a full preliminary sweep, a balanced attack led by Matthews, and momentum headed into the single-elimination phase.

Looking ahead, the stakes rise rapidly. The U. S. will need to sustain its defensive discipline and scoring depth against hotter opponents in the knockout rounds, where margin for error is slim and every call, good or bad, can change the course of a medal run.