Team USA did not just win Group B—it bulldozed through it. The defending Hlinka Gretzky Cup champion finished the preliminary round 3-0 after hammering Germany 8-1 Wednesday night in Edmonton, locking up a semifinal matchup with Slovakia.
Germany struck first, but the response was immediate. The Americans scored twice before the opening period ended, then erupted for four goals in the second to turn the game into a runaway. Team USA added two more in the third, while goaltender Tate stopped 16 of 17 shots to slam the door.
Brayden Shorter, Ryan Sung, Rocco DiCunzolo, Brody Grubb, Brady Snyder, Jack Rooney, Carter Burcar and Wyatt Cullen all scored for the United States. The production was spread across the lineup, and that may be the biggest takeaway heading into the medal round: this group is not leaning on one hot scorer or one dominant line.
The Americans finished the group stage with 18 goals and only six against, matching Canada’s perfect 3-0 record while earning the top spot in Group B. Finland advanced as the second team from the group and will face Canada in the other semifinal.
Now comes the part that matters most for the 2026 NHL Draft conversation. Slovakia brings a different kind of test after surviving a wild Group A race, and there is no more room for a slow start or sloppy defensive shift. Team USA has looked powerful through three games. Friday’s semifinal will show whether it can handle the pressure that comes with being the favorite.