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Not a snub? Team USA’s postgame walk-by of fans is being explained online
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Team USA men’s hockey beat Denmark at the Winter Olympics, and the fan backlash is now getting a loud defense.
The U.S. held off Denmark 6-3 on Saturday, February 14, 2026, after a messy first period.
Brady Tkachuk scored twice, and Jack Eichel drove the middle of the ice when it mattered.
The on-ice result should have been the headline.
Instead, the postgame walk-by near the glass kept the cameras rolling.
Some fans saw players pass without high-fives and called it cold.
Others are pushing back, saying the clip is being overread.
One explanation is simple, guys are locked in, heads down, scanning ice, not running a meet-and-greet.
Another point is consistency, supporters say Team USA acknowledges fans plenty, and people just pile on the rare moments that look bad.
A third take goes even harder, players do not owe anyone a tap, and it is not worth turning into a morality play.
Jack Eichel and Team USA need better optics
As a fan, I get the entitlement argument, but I also get why people want one quick salute after paying Olympic money.
This is where hockey can feel weirdly distant compared to other sports.
The truth is probably boring, lane rules, security, and guys rushing the routine.
But the video still reads like a snub if you’re the kid with your hand out, but to the players it probably wasn't viewed that way.
Team USA is sitting in a strong spot in Group C with all three wins.
Now the next game carries an extra layer, because the room’s vibe matters, not just the points.
A simple stick raise at center ice fixes the whole thing in five seconds, but at the end of the day it's also not mandatory.
The kind of “win” you want before the quarterfinal grind starts is one that makes everyone happy, whatever that may be.
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