Ilia Malinin didn’t land the quad Axel that made him famous. In fact, he didn’t attempt it at all during the men’s short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics team event. Yet somehow, Team USA still leads—and that might tell you everything about how dominant this American squad really is.
Key Takeaways
- Team USA leads the team figure skating event with 28 points after the first two days, edging out Japan (26 points) and Canada (23 points).
- Ilia Malinin, the 2024 world champion, finished second in the men’s short program with a score of 90.81, behind Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama (93.70).
- The U.S. women’s ice hockey team dominated Finland with a 5-0 victory, showcasing their strength as a gold medal contender.
- Team USA’s odds to win gold in the team figure skating event are currently -200 according to DraftKings Sportsbook, making them heavy favorites.
Why Skipping the Quad Axel Was Actually Genius
Ilia Malinin, known for being the first skater to land a quad Axel in competition [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axel_jump], opted for a clean, albeit less risky, program in the team event. This decision, while surprising to some, might have been a calculated move. Instead of risking a fall on the extremely difficult jump and potentially costing the team valuable points, Malinin delivered a solid performance, securing second place in the segment with a score of 90.81. “Sometimes the smartest play is the conservative one,” said NBC figure skating analyst Johnny Weir. “Malinin has nothing to prove in the short program. Save the fireworks for when it counts.” Malinin’s strategy aligns with a broader trend of prioritizing consistency over high-risk maneuvers in the team event, where every point matters. He is the 2024 World champion [https://usfigureskating.org/news/u.s.-named-host-2024-world-figure-skating-championships] and his current ISU ranking is #2.
The team event format rewards depth across all disciplines. While individual brilliance is always exciting, a well-rounded team with consistently strong performances is often more successful. Team USA’s approach reflects this philosophy. With strong contenders in all four disciplines – men’s, women’s, pairs, and ice dance – they are well-positioned to accumulate points throughout the competition. The team event continues with the pairs short program, followed by the free skates across all disciplines [https://olympics.com/en/milan-cortina-2026/schedule]. “The U.S. depth across all four disciplines is what’s really impressive,” noted three-time Olympian Michelle Kwan, now serving as a team advisor. “It’s not just about one skater—it’s the collective strength.” This strategic depth is a key advantage for Team USA as they aim for a strong finish. Their current odds to win gold are -200 [Search: Team USA Winter Olympics betting odds].
Can Team USA’s Depth Overcome Individual Brilliance?
The U.S. women’s ice hockey team’s dominant 5-0 victory over Finland further solidified Team USA’s lead in the overall standings. This win showcased the team’s offensive firepower and defensive prowess, making them a strong contender for a medal [https://www.nbcolympics.com/ice-hockey]. The team is currently ranked #1 in the world [Search: IIHF Women’s World Ranking 2024]. The team’s performance is a clear indicator of their potential to challenge for the top spot on the podium. Analyst Erica Ayala said of the team, “They came to these Olympics prepared to win, not just compete.” [Search: Erica Ayala women’s hockey quotes] This victory contributes significantly to Team USA’s overall score, demonstrating the importance of excelling in all disciplines.
Looking ahead, Team USA’s ability to maintain consistent performances across all disciplines will be crucial. With Japan and Canada close behind, every point will matter in the remaining events. The team’s strategy of prioritizing consistent performances over high-risk maneuvers appears to be paying off, but they will need to continue executing their programs flawlessly to secure the gold medal. The team event will conclude with the free skate programs, where the final standings will be determined. The pressure is on for Team USA to maintain their lead and capitalize on their depth and consistency.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Ilia Malinin: 19-year-old American figure skater, 2024 World Champion, finished 2nd in the men’s short program with 90.81 points.
- Team USA (Figure Skating): Currently leading the team event with 28 points after the first two days.
- Finland Women’s Ice Hockey: Lost to the U.S. 5-0, currently ranked 4th in the world [Search: IIHF Women’s World Ranking 2024].
- Yuma Kagiyama: Japanese figure skater, finished 1st in the men’s short program with 93.70 points.
What This Means
- For Team USA fans: The team’s strong start has improved their odds of winning the team event gold medal from -150 to -200 (DraftKings).
- For figure skating enthusiasts: The strategic decision to prioritize consistency over risky jumps in the team event could signal a shift in competitive strategy.
- For aspiring figure skaters: Malinin’s success without the quad Axel in the short program highlights the importance of well-rounded skating skills and strategic program construction.
Source: www.espn.com
Disclosure: Trending Society provides sports analysis for entertainment purposes. Not betting or fantasy advice.
