"The men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics gets going on Thursday, which is exciting. Players have moved into their rooms and there have been some practices, which give us an early look at how the coaches might line things up when the pucks drop to start things for real. Let's get into it with some of those early lineups and schedules for teams we're going to be watching in the coming weeks."
"Here are the USA lines from practice as reported by Kyle Bukauskas on Monday morning (our time): Brady Tkachuk - Jack Eichel - Matthew Tkachuk Jake Guentzel - Auston Matthews - Matt Boldy Kyle Connor - Dylan Larkin - Tage Thompson JT Miller - Brock Nelson - Jack Hughes Vinnie Trocheck - Clayton Keller Quinn Hughes - Charlie McAvoy Jaccob Slavin - Brock Faber Jake Sanderson - Zach Werenski Jackson Lacombe - Noah Hanifin Connor Hellebuyck"
"So, the US is going big on their top line. There's speed and scoring everywhere; Jack Hughes as a fourth-line player speaks to the depth the Americans have in the tournament. We'll see if these are the lines that roll out in the first game for the US. The Americans' blue line is good, top to bottom. And the goaltending is their biggest advantage over other teams in the tournament - especially Canada."
The men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics opens Thursday with teams arriving and practicing, providing early lineup indications. Previews focus on the United States, Canada and Finland, with Teuvo Teräväinen noted for Finland and Blackhawks prospect Adam Gajan listed as a backup goaltender for Slovakia. Teams may dress 13 forwards and seven defensemen. The U.S. practice lines show top-end scoring and depth, including Brady and Matthew Tkachuk with Jack Eichel, and Jack Hughes on the fourth line; Quinn Hughes anchors a strong blue line and Connor Hellebuyck provides a goaltending edge. U.S. preliminary games are Feb. 12, 14 and 15 on USA Network.
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