After dropping the first two Group C games to begin the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Denmark notched their first win of the tournament. They were able to defeat Latvia 4-2 after three first-period goals and a 33-save performance from Frederik Andersen. What stood out from the game as they prepare for their Quarterfinal Qualifier on Tuesday, Feb. 17?
Takeaway #1: Nick Olesen & Frederik Andersen Led Way
Nick Olsen keeps scoring for Denmark, following up his one goal against the USA on Saturday, Feb. 14, with two goals on Sunday, Feb. 15. His first was just 23 seconds into the game to give Denmark a very early 1-0 lead against Latvia. His second was the last goal of the game, giving Denmark the insurance marker, making it 4-2. That gives him three goals through the final two Group C games as they head into the Quarterfinal Qualifiers.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Nikolaj Ehlers scored his first goal of the tournament as he helped lead Denmark past Latvia. He’s been a big part of Denmark’s play over the years, and it was good to see him get rewarded for his efforts. Eight total Danes tallied a point in the win: Mikkel Aagaard had a goal and an assist in a multi-point game, along with Olsen, who added an assist with his goals for three points.
Feb 15, 2026; Milan, Italy; Frederik Andersen of Denmark reacts after the game against Latvia in men’s ice hockey group C play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Andersen was huge for Denmark, stopping 33 of 35 shots faced, giving him a .942 save percentage (SV%). After a tough first game, losing 3-1 to Germany, a win like this was huge for Andersen. His performance gave Denmark a better position for the Quarterfinal Qualifier as they look to carry the momentum after their win on Sunday.
Takeaway #2: Denmark Will Play Czechia in Quarterfinal Qualifier
Denmark, with the win, will take on No. 8 seed Czechia in their next game. The winner of that matchup will take on No. 1 seed Canada. Regrdless if they won or not, they would have had to face Czechia or Sweden for the chance to face Canada or the USA in the Quarterfinals. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out for the Danes as they will take on a Czechia team who are feeling they should be in a better spot within the standings.
Related: Denmark’s 2026 Men’s Winter Olympics Roster
On the flip side, for Latvia, they take on Sweden for the chance to take on the USA. For them to finish last in Group C, to only get Sweden for the chance to take on the Group C winner in the Americans, is what makes winning pool games matter. However, Denmark got a much-needed win in the 2026 Winter Olympics and are hoping to carry that through to the next game.
Now that the group games are over, all eyes will be set on the Quarterfinals as all 12 teams, for the most part, know their destiny. Canada, USA, Slovakia, and Finland get the bye, and the other eight teams are in a win-or-go-home format to move on to the Quarterfinals. If the group games indicated how intense the men’s tournament will be, the knockout games will take it to another level. USA won Group C, followed by Germany, Denmark, and Latvia. Bring on the Quarterfinals and knockout hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
