Jake Guentzel, Matthew Tkachuk rave about Auston Matthews after dynamic game for USA
Matthews, who captains the United States, recorded two goals and an assist in a
clinical performance. The 28-year-old leads the United States in scoring through three games, and his teammates raved about his tournament to date following Sunday’s victory.
“He’s been great all tournament. You guys put a lot of heat on him for no reason,” United States forward Jake Guentzel said following Sunday’s game. “He’s just an unbelievable player and plays in all situations.”
Matthews has been primarily paired with Guentzel and Matt Boldy at 5-on-5. Through the calendar year of 2026, Matthews leads all NHL players in 5-on-5 goal scoring while showing off his improved lateral quickness and acceleration. Although Matthews was subject to plenty of criticism during the first half of the 2025-26 season, he found his form with the Toronto Maple Leafs from Christmas onwards, and it’s carrying into the Olympics.
“He was awesome, he’s our captain, we’re following his lead,” United States forward Matthew Tkachuk said of Matthews post-game.
Matthews and the United States finished second overall in the preliminary round, and now await the winner of Sweden-Latvia. The quarterfinals will take place on Wednesday.
It’s a great showcase for Matthews to reestablish his place among the best players in the world. Matthews is tied for fifth in tournament scoring with two goals and five points, while using his frame and elite shot to keep opponents at bay throughout the preliminary round.
“Auston’s game is building. It’s getting better with every game,” United States head coach Mike Sullivan said via
Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “We’ve exercised some patience with that group, because we feel like those guys are capable, and we try to give them an opportunity to build a little bit of chemistry, and I think it’s unfolding right in front of us.”
PRESENTED BY DAILY FACEOFF’S OLYMPIC COVERAGE
Catch Every Goal from the 2026 Milan Games! The 2026 Milan Games are almost here, and the world’s best men’s and women’s hockey players are ready to battle for gold! The Nation Network is bringing you every game, every jaw-dropping save, and all the drama with live reaction streams and full recaps. Don’t miss a moment of Olympic hockey action—men’s, women’s, and everything in between—
on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel. Subscribe now and stay on top of every play!
