USA hockey moves on: Matthews leads 5-1 win over Germany to reach quarterfinals
Milan — Auston Matthews delivered a two-goal, one-assist night and Connor Hellebuyck made 23 saves as the U. S. men’s team closed out preliminary play with a 5-1 victory over Germany, finishing the group stage unbeaten and earning a bye to the quarterfinals.
Matthews, Tkachuk set tone as Americans turn up the bite
The Americans played the game they wanted: physical, fast and opportunistic. Matthews, wearing the captain’s C again, converted twice in close and later threaded a cross-ice pass to Zach Werenski for another goal. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk combined to tilt the ice, with Matthew Tkachuk picking up two assists while his brother helped set the tone along the boards. Tage Thompson and Brock Faber also found the net as the U. S. pushed through a stiff German lineup featuring several established NHL names.
"We never talked once about the top seed at all, " Matthew Tkachuk said after the game, emphasizing the team’s singular focus on beating Germany rather than worrying about standings. "All that handles itself. " The line of emphasis on structure and physical play aimed to neutralize Germany’s top talents and it largely worked; Tim Stutzle supplied Germany’s lone goal, but the visitors struggled to produce sustained pressure against the American forecheck and defensive coverage.
Goalkeeping, discipline and what’s next
Hellebuyck responded strongly after a shaky outing by the other U. S. netminder the previous night, prompting strong praise from head coach Mike Sullivan. "I thought it was his best game, " Sullivan said, pointing to Hellebuyck’s tracking and rebound control. The veteran netminder’s steady performance allowed the American forwards to play with confidence and maintain structure through the middle frames.
With the preliminary slate complete, the U. S. will face the winner of the qualification game between Sweden and Latvia on Tuesday (ET). Sweden presents a unique challenge; it was the only European squad at the tournament to dress a full complement of NHL players and has elite skill across multiple lines. "A super-skilled team, a lot of guys we see throughout the NHL season, " defenseman Zach Werenski noted. He added that last year’s meetings hinted at another tight encounter should Sweden advance to meet the U. S.
By clinching this bye, the Americans avoided a sudden-death qualification game and buy valuable rest and preparation time as the tournament shifts into single-elimination mode. Canada, meanwhile, continues on its own path through the bracket and cannot meet the U. S. until the gold-medal game, meaning North American bragging rights will hinge on both teams navigating separate quarterfinals and semifinals.
Outlook and momentum
The win offered more than just advancement; it reinforced growing confidence inside the locker room. "The confidence just continues to grow within our group, " Matthews said, noting steady improvement game to game. The Americans had earlier wins over Latvia and Denmark, and Sunday’s victory served as a tune-up for the tighter, higher-stakes matchups that will define the final rounds.
Germany’s goaltending performance drew praise despite the scoreline. Their backup netminder, given a start on short rest for the team, made several timely stops that kept the contest within reach through much of the middle period until the U. S. pulled away. For the Americans, the message is clear: balanced scoring, committed defense and reliable goaltending have combined to create momentum at the right time as the medal round approaches.
Next up: a quarterfinal test against Sweden or Latvia on Tuesday (ET), with the U. S. aiming to carry its physical edge and tightened structure into single-elimination play.
