The last time the U.S. Men’s Hockey team won Olympic Gold was the ever-so-famous “Miracle on Ice,” where a squad of collegiate Americans took down the infamous Soviet Union in 1980 in Lake Placid, NY. While achieving some success in recent IIHF World Championships, when it comes to the Olympics, we have only managed to earn two silver medals in 2002 and 2010 since 1980. However, this year, things can be different.
The roster for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics is the most talented, and stacked team the United States has ever brought to the tournament. With the vast majority of the team remaining the same from the 4 Nations Face Off tournament just a year ago, this crew already has a very strong bond and chemistry with one another. However, they still finished runner up to Team Canada, losing in overtime after having control for most of the game. So, will this year be any different, or will the United States of America finally bring home the Gold?
Was keeping the 4 Nations roster the right move?
I say yes. Even if the United States fell one goal short of beating Canada, this is still the same team that seemed to have our entire country rally behind it in support. With many clips of the Tkachuk brothers’ fights going viral, after the Star Spangled Banner was booed, the support for this team is going to be unlike any other. Unfortunately, it’s going to take more than just fan support to win Olympic Gold. In past years, and the 4 Nations Championship Game, the United States’ offense has been lackluster, especially in elimination games, and that’s putting it lightly. However, in international tournaments where the roster rarely gets to play with each other, being able to mesh well and have good chemistry is essential. The 4 Nations tournament gave the United States a chance to form a roster that could potentially play in the Olympics and gain experience playing opponents they will see in Milano Cortina. The United States roster is still based on physicality and veteran experience, in both international and Stanley Cup play.
The biggest drawback with the current roster is the exclusion of Jason Robertson. The leading American point and goal scorer so far in the 2025-2026 NHL season. (Bleacher Report). There is almost no reason to not include Robertson as you need to score goals to win games, not engage in physical play and hits. Players like JT Miller and Vincent Trocheck are going to need to contribute offensively to not make this decision look abominable.
Where does Team USA have the advantage over Team Canada?
Team USA has a clear advantage when it comes to who lines up in the crease. No surprise, the same three goaltenders from the 4 Nations made the Olympic squad, Connor Hellebuyck, Jeremy Swayman, and Jake Oettinger. For Team Canada, Jordan Binnington (the only goalie returner from the 4 Nations), Darcy Kuemper, and Logan Thompson have been selected at the goaltender position. Both Hellebuyck (USA) and Binnington (Canada) started in the 4 Nations Championship game where they put on masterclass shows, until Hellebuyck was beaten in overtime, but have also experienced very poor seasons in 2025-2026. The American is still coming back from a knee injury and has more than a 2.5 GAA while posting < .900 save percentage in his last nine games. (Sportsnet). However, Binnington has put up even worse numbers. With more than 3.5 GAA and also < .900 save percentage, it is not wrong to say that he is having an equally as bad season, if not worse. (ESPN). It would not be surprising to see backups like Swayman and Oettinger (USA), and Thompson and Kuemper (Canada), get starts in the group stage games to see who’s the best fit for the knockout round.
How does Team USA avoid the failure from past Olympics?
First, it all starts with the rosters. This is the first time since the 2014 Olympics that NHL players are allowed to play in the Olympic tournament and it is clear that Team USA is going all out. However, this means all of the other teams are going all out as well and the competition will be intense. It seems as though half of all of the players in the biggest professional hockey league are packing their bags for Milano Cortina. Team USA has numerous Stanley Cup winners and even more players with incredible years of experience. Also, the American coaching staff is loaded with experienced winners, both in the Stanley Cup as well as long time careers. (Team USA Hockey). It is clear that Team USA is taking proven winners to try and overthrow Canada. Lastly, when it comes to gameplay, it’s playing a full 60 minutes of hockey. Aggressive forechecking, ruthless offense and defense and physicality. Being able to wear down your opponent makes it so much harder to close out a game, part of the reason Seth Jones was added to the roster after not playing at the 4 Nations.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics Ice Hockey action will all start on February 11, with the Gold Medal Match being played on the 22nd. Go, USA!