The Americans began their 2026 Olympic run with a comfortable 5-1 win over Latvia. Team USA had to shake off the rust before wearing down the Latvians over the final two periods in a dominant effort.
The opening 20 minutes weren’t terribly impressive as the U.S. and Latvia went into the first intermission tied at 1-1. Team USA had two goals overturned due to coach’s challenges, and it hit three posts while also making some uncharacteristic mistakes.
The U.S. turned up the heat right from the opening puck drop of the second period, and it was all Team USA in the final 40 minutes. The Americans had the Latvians running around in their own zone for the entire second period, and Brock Nelson managed to bury a couple of goals.
Nelson was one of the game’s standouts with his two goals, but Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes (two assists each) were also littered throughout the scoresheet. Another positive for the Americans was the chemistry between Matthew and Brady Tkachuk as the brothers combined to open the scoring.
There was a lot to like about Team USA’s game, especially the last two periods. The passing got cleaner as the game progressed, the power play tallied two goals and the forecheck was extremely effective. This won’t be the Americans’ biggest test of the tournament, but it was a good start nonetheless.
The Americans will try to build upon this strong start when they face Denmark in their second of three preliminary round games.
U.S. men’s hockey schedule
All times Eastern
Preliminary round
- Thursday, Feb. 12: USA 5, Latvia 1
- USA vs. Denmark | Saturday, Feb. 14 | 3:10 p.m. | USA Network
- USA vs. Germany | Sunday, Feb. 15 | 3:10 p.m. | USA Network
Quarterfinal
- TBD vs. TBD | Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 3:10 p.m. | TBD
Semifinal
- TBD vs. TBD | Friday, Feb. 20 | 3:10 p.m. | TBD
Bronze medal game
- TBD vs. TBD | Saturday, Feb. 21 | 2:10 p.m. | TBD
Gold medal game
- TBD vs. TBD | Sunday, Feb. 22 | 8:10 a.m. | TBD
