USA Beats Germany, Earns Olympic Quarterfinal Bye

Summary:

• Team USA defeated Team Germany 5–1 to finish group play at the Milano Cortina Olympics undefeated.
• Austin Matthews led the way with two goals and one assist.
• The win secures a bye and spot in Wednesday’s quarterfinal.

The US team took care of business Sunday in Italy, beating Germany 5–1 to finish group play unbeaten and secure a direct spot in the Ice Hockey 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics quarterfinals.

The stakes were pretty simple, as the team needed at least one point to win Group C and steer clear of the extra playoff round. The team made sure not to leave anything to chance, delivering one of their most complete performances of the tournament.

Mike Sullivan’s side controlled the puck early at Santagiulia Arena on Sunday, but Germany hung around through most of the first period.

That changed in the final seconds when Zach Werenski scored with just 8.7 seconds left, giving the US a 1–0 lead and some breathing room.

The victory means the Americans finish first in Group C and earn a bye straight into Wednesday’s quarterfinals. They will face the winner of Tuesday’s game between Sweden and Latvia.

Momentum Never Shifted Back

Austin Matthews took over in the second period. He scored on a rebound during a power play and later set up another goal. Brock Faber added one of his own before the period ended, stretching the lead to three and putting Germany in a difficult spot heading into the third.

USA did not ease up, with Tage Thompson blasting a shot past the goalie early in the final period, and Matthews scoring again midway through the third to make it 5–0. Matthews finished with two goals and an assist, leading a balanced offensive effort that saw eight different American players register at least one point.

Germany finally broke through late when Tim Stützle scored with under nine minutes remaining, ending Connor Hellebuyck’s shutout bid. Still, the American goalie was excellent, stopping 23 of 24 shots and keeping Germany from ever building real momentum.

By the final minutes, the outcome was no longer in doubt, as Team USA comfortably closed out the win and the group.

The US entered the Winter Olympics with gold medal expectations, and they have done nothing to lower them through their three games – can they their first gold since 1980 – get latest odds with US Sportsbooks? .