After going two-for-two in the opening games of the men’s hockey tournament, Team USA will look to complete a clean sweep of the opening round with its final group stage match against Germany on Sunday afternoon.
The expectations were sky-high for the U.S. coming into the tournament, with the roster being filled with professional NHL stars for the first time since 2014. So far, the squad has put a strong foot forward, defeating Latvia 5-1 and Denmark 6-3 and outscoring their opponents 11-4. Nine different players have found the back of the net for the team, while Brady Tkachuk and Brock Nelson each have scored twice.
One spot where the team has struggled, however, has been its first period play. Against Latvia, the two teams were tied at one goal apiece at the end of the first period after a pair of U.S. goals were called off. Against Denmark, the U.S. trailed 2-1 at the end of the first period, with Denmark scoring a go-ahead slapshot that snuck by goalie Jeremy Swayman. In both games, the United States has let loose a three-goal onslaught in the second period that proved the difference.
“It is just a battle with adversity. I will do whatever I have to do to stop the puck,” said Swayman after the victory over Denmark. “I am really proud of this group for staying even-keeled. The confidence never left the group, and that is a serious trait at this stage of the tournament. The guys rallied and we got it done.”
