Team USA cruised to a 5-1 win over Germany, and it ends the preliminary round with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record. Auston Matthews’ three-point game powered the Americans to victory as they turn their attention to the quarterfinal.
Through the first two games, Matthews had drawn criticism for not being at his best. That went out the window on Sunday as Matthews was the best player on the ice for the United States. Matthews really kickstarted the play that got Team USA on the board late in the first period when he retrieved a loose puck in the offensive zone and found defenseman Zach Werenski gliding down the weak side.
From there, Matthews made his presence felt in the offensive zone by getting to the front of the net, scoring both of his goals from in or around the crease. One was a power play goal that deflected in off Matthews’ stick, and the other was the redirection of a Jake Sanderson slap pass.
The Tkachuk brothers were everywhere, which has become a staple of the American play in this competition. Brady was a physical force and notched an assist on a goal by Brock Faber, and Matthew picked up two more assists as he continues to be at the center of the action offensively.
Connor Hellebuyck wasn’t tested a lot in goal, but he was very good when called upon. The only shot that got past Hellebuyck came off the stick of Tim Stützle, one of the Germans’ two best offensive players.
The United States made the preliminary round harder than it needed to be, but the team played its best game of the tournament on Sunday. The Americans will try to carry that momentum into the quarterfinals, where they’ll play the winner of Sweden vs. Latvia.
U.S. men’s hockey schedule
All times Eastern
Preliminary round
- Thursday, Feb. 12: USA 5, Latvia 1
- Saturday, Feb. 14: USA 6, Denmark 3
- Sunday, Feb. 15: USA 5, Germany 1
Quarterfinal
- USA vs. Sweden/Latvia | Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 3:10 p.m. | TBD
Semifinal
- TBD vs. TBD | Friday, Feb. 20 | 3:10 p.m. | TBD
Bronze medal game
- TBD vs. TBD | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 2:10 p.m. | TBD
Gold medal game
- TBD vs. TBD | Sunday, Feb. 22 | 8:10 a.m. | TBD
