ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Protecting the net on the Olympic stage for the first time in his career, Anchorage goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 18 saves as six different U.S. skaters scored goals in Team USA\u2019s 6-3 victory over Denmark in preliminary round of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, according to USA Hockey.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really proud of this group for staying even-keeled,\u201d Swayman said in a postgame interview to the AP. \u201cThe confidence never left the group, and that\u2019s a serious trait at this stage in the tournament. The guys rallied, and we got it done.\u201d<\/p>\n
The U.S. improved to 2-0 and will skate against Germany on Sunday at 11:10 a.m. AKST.<\/p>\n
Earning his first career Olympic victory in his first career start, there was one play Swayman says he wishes he could have back, coming in the first period when he got beat on a shot from center ice about 95 feet away.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just the perfect height right between the stands and board level, and I truly lost it,\u201d Swayman told the AP of the uncommon blunder. \u201cDefinitely one I want back, but at the same time, especially at this level, you\u2019ve got to stay even-keeled. It\u2019s one shot at a time and no matter how they go in, you\u2019ve got to step up and stop the next one.\u201d<\/p>\n
If Team USA defeats Germany, powered by Leon Draisaitl, they will win Group C and gain a bye to the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n