The stage is set for an epic showdown as Team USA gears up to face Germany in the final preliminary round match of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. But here's where it gets intense: a single point against Germany on Sunday (3:10 p.m. ET; Peacock, USA, ICI Télé, CBC Gem, TSN, CBC) could secure the top spot in Group C for the Americans, granting them a coveted bye into the quarterfinals. Sounds straightforward, right? Think again. And this is the part most people miss: Germany isn’t just any opponent—they’re a powerhouse led by none other than Leon Draisaitl, the 2019-20 Hart Trophy winner and last season’s NHL leading goal-scorer. With 80 points this season, Draisaitl is a force to be reckoned with, but he’s not alone. Moritz Seider, a standout defenseman with 38 points, and Tim Stutzle, a forward with 61 points, round out a dangerous trio that has Team USA on high alert.
While Germany boasts only seven NHL players, U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk is quick to point out that it’s about quality, not quantity. “They have some game-breakers on that side, and we have a lot of respect for how good they are,” Tkachuk said. “Our goal is to win the group, no matter what it takes—whether it’s a 2-1 grind or a 1-0 nail-biter.” But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Team USA underestimating Germany’s depth, or are they simply confident in their ability to neutralize the stars?
U.S. coach Mike Sullivan isn’t taking any chances. “It will be a competitive game. This is what we expect,” he stated, acknowledging the challenge ahead. Meanwhile, forward Dylan Larkin, who knows Seider well from their time together on the Detroit Red Wings, warns, “Those three players are guys we’re going to have to watch out for. But if we give them chances, they’ll capitalize.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A regulation win or even an overtime loss could secure the group for the U.S., but a regulation loss would throw the standings into chaos, potentially relying on goal differential. And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Canada and France also in the mix, is the U.S. too focused on Germany, or are they playing the long game for the No. 1 seed?
For Brady Tkachuk, the younger brother of Matthew, the noise surrounding seeding and scenarios is just that—noise. “To be honest, I could care less. It’s all about the three points at the end of the day,” he said after scoring his second goal in as many games. But as the clock ticks down to Sunday’s matchup, one thing is clear: this game is more than just a preliminary round finale—it’s a battle of wills, strategy, and star power. What do you think? Is Team USA the favorite, or does Germany have what it takes to pull off the upset? Let us know in the comments!
