With a point of any kind in the game tonight (win, overtime win, overtime loss), the U.S. will earn the top spot in Group C. If Germany beats the U.S. in regulation, Team USA could still win the group if: 1) Latvia beats Denmark in regulation and 2) Germany defeats the U.S. by two or fewer goals.
The U.S. and Germany have faced off 10 previous times in the Olympic tournament, with Team USA winning all but once. The last meeting between the two nations came in the 2022 Games with the U.S. earning a 3-2 victory. Drew Commesso made 24 saves, while Steven Kampfer, Matthew Knies and Nathan Smith scored to help Team USA finish the preliminary round unbeaten.
The U.S. brings a 2-0 record into play tonight after a 6-3 win over Denmark last night and a 5-1 triumph over Latvia on Thursday (Feb. 12). Germany, which is 1-1, lost a 4-3 decision to Latvia yesterday after a 3-1 win over Denmark to open the tournament on Thursday.
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to be back in net tonight for Team USA. He backstopped the U.S. to a 5-1 win over Latvia on Wednesday with 17 saves on 18 shots.
