Team USA opened its 2026 Olympic campaign with a 5-1 victory over Latvia in Group C play at Santagiulia Arena in Milan. Brock Nelson scored twice, while Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson and Auston Matthews also found the net for the Americans. The win highlighted the depth and commitment across the U.S. roster as they aim for their first gold medal since 1980.
The United States pulled away from Latvia in the second period to secure a convincing 5-1 win in their preliminary round opener on February 12 at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The game, played at Santagiulia Arena, showcased Team USA's balanced attack, with contributions from all four lines and strong defensive play that limited Latvia to just three shots in the middle frame.
Brady Tkachuk opened the scoring at 5:29 of the first period, firing from the top of the right face-off circle after a pass from his brother Matthew Tkachuk. Latvia responded quickly, tying the game 1-1 at 7:25 when Renars Krastenbergs converted a rebound through Connor Hellebuyck's pads. The first period ended 1-1, though two U.S. goals were disallowed, both involving Brock Nelson—one for offside and the other for goaltender interference.
Team USA dominated the second period, outshooting Latvia 17-2 and scoring three times. Nelson netted the game-winner at 10:38, going forehand-to-backhand on a pass from Jack Hughes at the right hash marks. Tage Thompson extended the lead to 3-1 on a power-play backhand at 17:35, and Nelson added his second goal with 12 seconds left, tipping in a cross-slot feed from Hughes.
Auston Matthews capped the scoring 2:35 into the third on another power-play goal against replacement goalie Arturs Silovs. Latvia's Elvis Merzlikins stopped 28 of 32 shots before being pulled after two periods; Silovs made five saves in relief.
Matthew Tkachuk praised the team's sacrifice, noting Nelson's versatility: “He was awesome... isn’t playing power play, is playing [penalty kill], out there for some important draws... it’s just sacrifice, the commitment, the brotherhood that is going to make our team successful.” Latvia's Merzlikins acknowledged the challenge: “They took complete control over us at the end of the second... We are a small, tiny country. Those are big hockey players there.”
Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes, Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel each recorded two assists. The victory sets up Team USA's next game against Denmark on February 14, as they build toward a medal contention.
