Second-Period Surge Seals Dramatic Turnaround (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Milan, Italy – Vegas Golden Knights stars Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin delivered crucial goals during a dominant second-period outburst that powered Team USA to a 6-3 comeback win against Denmark in the Winter Olympics.[1][2]
Second-Period Surge Seals Dramatic Turnaround
Denmark seized a 2-1 lead after the opening period, capitalizing on early opportunities against U.S. goaltender Jeremy Swayman.[1] Nick Olesen struck first at 1:40, Matt Boldy equalized for the Americans at 3:35, and Nicholas Jensen restored Denmark’s advantage at 11:16 with a long-range shot Swayman misplayed.[2]
Team USA responded fiercely in the middle frame, outshooting Denmark 15-4 and erupting for three unanswered goals.[1] Eichel set the tone by assisting Brady Tkachuk’s tying tally at 9:26 before scoring himself just 57 seconds later to give the U.S. its first lead.[2] Hanifin extended the margin to 4-2 at 17:23 with a shot that slipped past Mads Sogaard, though Denmark pulled within one on Phillip Bruggisser’s late strike.
Jake Guentzel and Jack Hughes added insurance markers in the third, securing the victory and boosting the Americans to 2-0 in Group C play.[1]
Eichel Emerges as USA’s Offensive Engine
Eichel dominated with a goal and assist, logging a team-high seven shots on 41 total attempts while finishing plus-2 in 16:59 of ice time.[1] His quick-release wrist shot flipped momentum, and he won critical faceoffs to ignite the rally.
The center notched his second multipoint outing of the tournament after two power-play helpers in the 5-1 opener against Latvia.[3] “We’re an unfinished product and we’re going to continue to get better,” Eichel said afterward.[1]
Hanifin’s Goal Proves Pivotal in Knights’ Impact
Defenseman Noah Hanifin contributed three shots and his game-winning goal, rotating effectively in limited 9:57 of action.[1] The tally squeezed through Sogaard’s pads, providing breathing room before Denmark’s late push.
Hanifin posted a plus-2 rating in the Latvia win as the seventh defenseman, signaling his growing role on the blue line.[3]
Knights Representation Across Nations
While Eichel and Hanifin starred for the U.S., other Golden Knights saw varied results elsewhere.
- Mark Stone scored Canada’s second goal in a 5-0 shutout of Czechia, with Shea Theodore firing two shots in 15:25.[3]
- Tomas Hertl managed three shots but struggled at 3-of-12 in faceoffs for the Czechs in that loss.
- Rasmus Andersson sat as a healthy scratch during Sweden’s 5-3 victory over Slovakia, which clinched Group B via tiebreaker.[1]
| Golden Knights Player | Team | Recent Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Eichel | USA | 2G, 3A in 2 GP |
| Noah Hanifin | USA | 1G in 2 GP |
| Mark Stone | Canada | 1G vs. Czechia |
Quarterfinal Stakes Heighten for Vegas Contingent
Team USA requires only one point from Sunday’s clash with Germany to claim Group C and earn a first-round bye.[1] Canada holds the tournament’s top seed edge with a plus-9 goal differential over the U.S. plus-7.
The Knights’ international efforts underscore their depth, blending NHL prowess with Olympic intensity.
Key Takeaways:
- Eichel and Hanifin combined for pivotal second-period goals in USA’s rally.
- Golden Knights players feature prominently for USA, Canada, and beyond.
- One point secures USA’s group title and playoff positioning.
As the tournament advances, the Vegas contingent positions itself for deeper runs. What are your predictions for the Golden Knights stars in Milan? Share in the comments.
