2026 Olympics: Men secure opening victory against Denmark

Germany got off to a dream start: After just 23 seconds, Leon Draisaitl converted a pass from Frederik Tiffels with a backhand shot to give them an early lead. In the 3rd minute, the German team almost added another, but Moritz Seider's long-range shot hit the crossbar. Germany moved well into the forecheck and Tiffels created another scoring opportunity, which Denmark's goaltender Frederik Andersen saved (7th minute). After that, the Danes found their footing and the game became more balanced. In the 9th minute, Germany's goalie Philipp Grubauer was called into action for the first time against Patrick Russell, and shortly afterward, a shot from the blue line by Phillip Bruggisser hit the post (11th minute). The Danish team then applied pressure and Oscar Moelgaard equalized from close range (14th minute), somewhat fortuitously pushing the puck under Grubauer and over the line. Afterwards, both teams had a few more offensive opportunities: For Germany, Lukas Reichel missed at the far post during a power play (18th minute), while Denmark's attacker Alexander True shot too high when unmarked (19th minute).

Denmark started the second period with momentum, but after a few minutes, the German team, coached by Harold Kreis, found their rhythm. Tobias Rieder shot just wide, and Draisaitl's shot was blocked by Andersen's pad (23rd/24th minute), but in the 25th minute, everything clicked: Tim Stützle scored his first international goal with a one-timer from a pass by JJ Peterka. Shortly afterward, Draisaitl hit the outside of the post (26th minute). However, the Danish team also became dangerous again. Grubauer had to make a save against Mikkel Aagaard, and then twice against Nikolaj Ehlers (28th/29th minute). Just under half an hour in, Germany had their second power play and this time capitalized. Oliver Lauridsen deflected a pass from Stützle into his own net, giving the Ottawa Senators forward his second goal (31st minute). Now the efficient German team had the game firmly under control. Germany's defense was now largely compact, and they remained aggressive in battles for the puck. Furthermore, there were occasional dangerous moments. For example, Draisaitl narrowly missed the Danish goal in the 37th minute. Goalkeeper Grubauer was not seriously tested again.

Germany started the final period well. Nevertheless, Dane Nicklas Jensen got a clear shot on goal in the 44th minute. Shortly afterward, Draisaitl was back in action, perfectly setting up Tiffels. Tiffels' one-timer was also good, but the Danish goalie stood in his way (45th minute). In the 48th minute, Grubauer was once again in the spotlight: The German goalie made saves against both Nick Olesen and Frederik Storm to preserve the two-goal lead. Germany then retreated into their own zone, but remained dangerous, for example through the advancing Lukas Kälble (49th minute). In the 53rd minute, Draisaitl had the game-winner on his stick. However, Andersen made the save. With four minutes remaining, Denmark pulled their goalie and sent out an extra attacker. They managed only a shot off the crossbar by Oliver Bjorkstrand (50th minute). Germany secured a well-deserved opening victory.

Official IIHF statistics: Game Stats #GERDEN

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National coach Harold Kreis: “The team tackled this difficult task against a strong Danish side today with great fighting spirit. We are very pleased with our start to the tournament. The window of opportunity to find good solutions is very narrow for players at this level. Nevertheless, the team managed to make the right decisions often to be successful in this opening match. We take many positives from this game, but there are also aspects we want to improve in the future. We can build on this performance to be successful in the upcoming matches as well.

Captain Leon Draisaitl: "The game was a lot of fun, and the win was very important to kick off the tournament. With the lead, we played particularly well in the final third, which is a good sign right from the start. I'm happy to have contributed with my goal, but in the end, it's not my individual performance that counts, but the three points we earned as a team. We're enjoying every second here and want to savor every Olympic moment – ​​so I'm even more excited for the coming days and the challenges ahead."

Assistant captain Tim Stützle: "I was very pleased with our start to this tournament! We created many chances and had a great presence in goal with Philipp Grubauer. Every player fulfilled their role today and put in a good performance. We could play more directly and quickly; I personally and we as a team still see room for improvement there. But I'm sure we'll find our rhythm here, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming matches."