MILAN — The U.S. men’s hockey team essentially gave up a goal all the way from Greenland.
Denmark’s Nicholas B. Jensen flung the puck at Jeremy Swayman from around the red line during the first period Saturday night, and it found its way past the American netminder to give the Danes a 2-1 lead in the preliminary-round matchup.
The lower bowl at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena collectively gasped as it became clear the puck had beaten Swayman, who was starting his first game of the Olympic tournament.
Entering the final men’s hockey game on Saturday, Denmark was the underdog after losing 3-1 to Germany on Thursday.
Team USA, which pummeled Latvia 5-1 on Thursday, is looking to pick up its second victory of the tournament and further establish its place at the top of the Group C standings.