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Jake Mozarsky
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While Team USA was deadlocked with Latvia 20 minutes into its 2026 Olympic campaign, by the time the clock hit zeroes in Milan, the Stars and Stripes had reasserted themselves as a global juggernaut.
As the game went on, the floodgates eventually burst open for Team USA in a 5-1 demolition that served as a loud reminder to the rest of the field that the team is built to take home its first gold medal in over 40 years.
The first period was a frustrating exercise in “what-ifs.” Despite an early Brady Tkachuk opener set up by his brother Matthew, the U.S. saw two potential goals — one from Quinn Hughes and another from Brock Nelson — wiped off the board following successful Latvian challenges for offsides and goalie interference. When Renars Krastenbergs beat Connor Hellebuyck to tie it 1-1, a sense of déjà vu began to creep into the arena.
However, the second period was a total demolition. Led by a relentless forecheck, the U.S. showed why this is considered the most talented roster the program has ever assembled, suffocating Latvia and outshooting them 16-2 in the frame. Nelson finally got his revenge with two highlight-reel goals, and Tage Thompson added a power-play backhander to blow the game wide open. To put the exclamation point on the victory, captain Auston Matthews buried his first career Olympic goal in the third, sealing a 5-1 victory.
STREAM: Watch USA vs. Latvia LIVE on Peacock
Hours after favorite Canada made a statement with a 5-0 shutout of Czechia, the U.S. delivered a response of their own in the same arena. While the Latvians proved pesky early, the Americans’ elite scoring depth, physicality, and high-octane chemistry took over, giving the majority of this NHL-heavy roster their first-ever Olympic win.
Next up for the United States is a Group C clash on Saturday against Denmark, another squad featuring NHL talent that will test the Americans’ momentum.
The Sporting News followed all the action from Team USA’s opener in the 2026 Olympics as the quest for gold becomes more and more real. Check out the highlights from the dominant win below.
MORE 2026 OLYMPICS: Live medal tracker | Viewer's guide | Day-by-day schedule
5:39 p.m.: The buzzer has sounded in Milan and Team USA is victorious in its first game.
It’s a 5-1 demolition of Latvia, which started in a deadlock but by the end saw the U.S. as the contender. Two goals from Nelson as part of a three-goal second gave the team a cushion, then the captain Matthews got one of his own in the third.
Next up for Team USA is Denmark on Saturday at 3:10 p.m., but the chase for gold is on. In the same arena where Canada made a statement earlier in the day, the U.S. answered right back.
For now, U.S. fans can play “Free Bird” and celebrate an Olympic win.
5:33 p.m.: Now, there’s a scrum with 3:22 remaining, coming after a few U.S. chances and a cross checking penalty on Brock Faber.
The Latvians will head to the power play again. Brady Tkachuk also goes to the box for a cross checking penalty.
5:28 p.m.: It’s another chance for the U.S., with Brady Tkachuk finding Werenski on the right side, but his shot is saved by his NHL teammate Merzlikins and the puck dribbles wide.
5:24 p.m.: The power play is over for Latvia, who is now 0-for-2 on special teams today.
As the clock ticks under eight minutes, the U.S. leads 5-1 and are minutes away from its first Olympic win.
5:20 p.m.: With 10:49 remaining, Latvia heads to the power play.
It’s a slashing penalty on Larkin, who got Daugavins from behind.
Latvia has a chance to cut into the lead.
5:07 p.m. GOAL: It’s another goal on the man advantage for the U.S.
Finally, Matthews gets on the board, taking a pass from Thompson in the slot and burying it past Merzlikins. The captain, who went scoreless in the Four Nations, is on the board in Milan.
It’s now 5-1.
5:06 p.m.: Up 4-1, the U.S. is heading back to the power play.
Werenski got tripped in the corner by Latvian captain Kaspars Daugavins.
5:02 p.m.: The third period is underway in Milan.
The U.S. leads by three going into the final 20 minutes, outshooting Latvia 32-11.
4:46 p.m.: The teams head to the locker room after a flurry from the U.S., with a Thompson goal sandwiched between two Nelson ones.
The Stars and Stripes have been dominant and lead 4-1 heading to the final frame.
4:44 p.m. GOAL: After the Thompson goal, the U.S. had a flurry of chances, and with 11 seconds remaining they convert.
It’s a beautiful passing play, with Jack Hughes laying it off to his brother Quinn, who then finds Nelson for his second goal of the game.
BROCK NELSON WITH HIS 2ND OF THE GAME, THE FLOOD GATES HAVE OPENED FOR THE USA 🤯🚨
(Via @NBCOlympics)
pic.twitter.com/4nloRXRRTD
The Devils youngster has two assists and the U.S. has blown this game open.
4:41 p.m. GOAL: To quote Sam Rosen, “It’s a power play goal!”
Tage Thompson, who was not on the Four Nations roster, takes a pass from Jack Eichel then goes forehand to backhand, going top shelf on Merzlikins. The U.S. takes a two-goal lead on its 30th shot of the game.
Mr. T.N.T. on the backhand to put the US up 3-1 🚨
(via @NBCOlympics) pic.twitter.com/RdrCViC3n8
It’s 3-1 with over two minutes remaining.
4:38 p.m.: The U.S. heads to the man advantage again, with a cross checking penalty on Roberts Mamcics.
It’s a critical chance to take a multi-goal lead.
4:36 p.m.: Matt Boldy now has a breakaway, but it’s saved by Merzlikins. The Latvian group cannot get off the ice, and the U.S. has a fresh group on.
4:35 p.m.: As the clock ticks under six minutes in the second, the U.S. is controlling the game but still leads 1-1.
Hughes just had a shot from the right circle go wide, with the shot margin 26-11.
4:33 p.m.: The leaders have another chance, with Brady Tkachuk hitting a Latvia player then taking a chance right by the goal, but it’s saved.
4:26 p.m. GOAL: The United States is back on top.
It’s Nelson — who had his goal in the first overturned — who is alone in the slot and beats Merzlikins with a backhand.
He got the pass from behind the net from Jack Hughes. Vincent Trocheck got the secondary assist.
Nice ‘n easy Nelly 🚨 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/b2G2kueNeM
The Stars and Stripes are in front.
4:22 p.m.: Matthews had a takeaway in the offensive zone and set up Guentzel, but it was saved by the Merzlikins. The U.S. is starting to get some more chances, but as we approach the halfway point it’s still 1-1.
Right before the commercial break, the Latvian goalie flashed his glove to make a save on Jacob Slavin.
4:18 p.m.: The period so far has been controlled by Latvia, with the U.S. struggling to get sustained zone time.
Both teams are 0-for-1 on the power play, with the U.S. leading 16-10 in shots.
4:13 p.m.: 40 seconds in, Latvia heads to the power play.
It’s Jake Guentzel who goes to the box for a hooking penalty, and now Latvia has a chance to take the lead on the man advantage.
4:11 p.m.: The second period has dropped in Milan.
The U.S. looks to break the deadlock, thinking it did twice in the first period.
Will the team in white strike first or will Latvia pull a stunner?
3:53 p.m.: With under a minute remaining, the U.S. hits the bar again but the puck stays out.
As the clock expires in the first, the teams are tied at 1. While the U.S. looked like it took the lead twice, both goals were brought back.
3:50 p.m.: Right after the penalty expires, Nelson hits the post after getting a shot by Merzlikins. The U.S. is outshooting Latvia 13-8 so far, but it stays 1-1.
3:46 p.m.: We have our first power play of the game, with Krastenbergs going to the box for holding.
The United States will head to the power play for the first time this Olympics.
3:43 p.m.: Now, Latvia has a chance on a scramble, but the puck somehow stays out.
With 6:20 remaining in the first we’re all square.
3:40 p.m.: The United States thought it retook the lead with a Brock Nelson shot going through, but once again, the Latvian challenge is successful.
It’s a goalie interference on J.T. Miller and the game stays 1-1.
3:27 p.m. GOAL: Right after it looked like the U.S. took a 2-0, the Latvians have responded. It’s Renars Krastenbergs who puts in a rebound, getting it past Hellebuyck.
Now, it’s 1-1 with just over 12 minutes remaining in the first.
3:25 p.m.: It looked like Quinn Hughes arrived for Team USA, giving them a 2-0 lead on a pass from his former teammate J.T. Miller.
But, it is ruled offsides after a Latvian challenge, and the game remains 1-0.
3:19 p.m. GOAL: The United States are on the board at the 2026 Olympics.
It’s a Tkachuk-to-Tkachuk connection, with Matthew setting up Brady in the slot, who rips one past Merzļikins for his first Olympic goal.
Brady Tkachuk scores the first goal for Team USA!! #GoSensGo
Bash bros connect right away. pic.twitter.com/b28e8uS0Qu
The U.S. leads 1-0 with 14:31 left in the first.
3:14 p.m.: It’s feisty early on, with Matthews getting knocked down by a Latvia forward.
A scrum ensues after with 2:35 played so far.
3:13 p.m.: The U.S. had a chance to get on the board early, with Dylan Larkin grabbing a Zach Werenski rebound and having an open net, but he puts the puck too wide and it goes through the crease.
3:10 p.m.: The puck has dropped and Team USA’s campaign is underway.
The faceoff was won by Matthews, with the puck getting dumped in the Latvia zone.
3:04 p.m.: It’s time.
I need every USA hockey edit injected straight into my veins pic.twitter.com/1XWxpfSlCV
Puck drop is minutes away.
2:48 p.m.: We’re getting closer and closer.
The U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team’s #WinterOlympics campaign starts today. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wjRoCId4Hl
Puck drop is less than 30 minutes away.
2:38 p.m.: It’s official, Latvia’s starting goalie is Elvis Merzļikins.
The 31-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets veteran gets the nod for Latvia’s Olympic opener, marking a long-awaited career milestone. Despite stiff competition from Artūrs Šilovs — the hero of Latvia’s 2023 World Championship bronze medal run —head coach Harijs Vītoliņš is betting on Merzļikins’ recent NHL form. Elvis enters the tournament on a hot streak, having won five of his last six starts in Columbus, including a 24-save shutout just before the Olympic break.
🇱🇻 Elvis Merzlikins has been named Latvia’s starting goaltender for their opening game of the Olympics against the United States
He beat out Arturs Silovs for the starting spot. pic.twitter.com/K5OAfI6jfX
It’s a poetic start to the tournament for Merzļikins, as he’ll be staring down his NHL teammate and close friend Zach Werenski, one of the anchors on the American blueline. For a Latvian team that historically thrives on underdog moxie, they’ll need tostymie a U.S. offense led by Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel.
2:20 p.m.: The starting lines are out for Team USA’s first Olympic game.
First looks at how Team USA is lining up at the #WinterOlympics 👀
See ya in one hour for puck drop! pic.twitter.com/LCOLJiCyqA
The Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, are centered by Jack Eichel on the top line. Behind them is a line of three prolific goal scorers, centered by Auston Matthews.
Defensively, it’s a lot of the same faces from the Four Nations, with one major change: Quinn Hughes, one of the NHL’s top defensemen. After an oblique injury sidelined him during the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, the former Norris Trophy winner is making his highly anticipated Olympic debut. His arrival is a massive upgrade for an already elite blueline, especially given his recent trade from Vancouver to the Minnesota Wild.
2:00 p.m.: The U.S. enters the tournament as the second favorite to win behind Canada, who beat Czechia 5-0 in its opening game.
The U.S. Men’s Hockey team will open its Olympic campaign today, with NHL Players participating in the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014 💪
USA is just behind Canada as favorites to win the gold medal. The USA Men’s Hockey team has not won an Olympic Medal outside… pic.twitter.com/BmlGZxbv2p
Of course, these teams have history, whether the Four Nations Faceoff from last year or the 2010 gold medal game, where Sidney Crosby scored a golden goal winner.
1:33 p.m.: Let’s revisit the last time the U.S. won gold, the Miracle on Ice.
It remains the most iconic moment in American sports history — a literal “David vs. Goliath” story that transcended the rink. In 1980, the Soviet Union arrived at the Lake Placid Games as a professional juggernaut, having won the previous four Olympic gold medals and recently dismantling the NHL All-Stars 6-0. By contrast, the U.S. squad was a collection of college kids led by the disciplinarian Herb Brooks, who spent months molding them into a unit fast enough to compete with the international style.
1980 Olympic Hockey – USA vs. USSR
“Miracle on Ice”. The moment that made a nation believe in miracles. pic.twitter.com/Ip8E3qZpez
On Feb. 22, the two worlds collided in the medal round. After trailing early and entering the third period down 3-2, the Americans scored twice in the final ten minutes — first from Mark Johnson and then the legendary go-ahead goal by captain Mike Eruzione. As the final seconds ticked away and Al Michaels delivered his famous “Do you believe in miracles?” call, the U.S. secured a 4-3 victory. Two days later, they defeated Finland to clinch the gold, marking the last time the American men stood atop the Olympic podium.
1:20 p.m.: On the other side, Latvia has one of the most talked about players in the tournament in Alberts Šmits.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing over 200 pounds, Šmits is currently the youngest player in the men’s hockey tournament. He is a high-profile prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, where he is projected to be a top pick. Before joining the Olympic squad in Italy, he led the Latvian team at the World Junior Championship in Minnesota, where he led the team in ice time.
Alberts Smits sera à surveiller avec la Lettonie! 🇱🇻 pic.twitter.com/HqLQGGUaTx
Despite his age, he’s already playing professionally in the Finnish Liiga for Jukurit, and Latvian veterans — including goalie Kristers Gudļevskis — have praised his “calm confidence” on the ice.
12:50 p.m.: In goal for the stars and stripes: two-time reigning Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck.
It’s Hellebuyck’s net tonight! 🇺🇸 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/cL8OCa32qj
12:45 p.m.: Team USA is on-site in Milan.
Rolling into game one in style 😎 🇺🇸 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/l0AOTQoFM6
Puck drop is less than three hours away.
12:10 p.m.: The day has finally come, with Team USA opening up its Olympic campaign against Latvia at 3:10 p.m.
After all the buildup, team bonding and soaking in the #WinterOlympics experience, the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team is ready to turn the page and get down to business starting today at 3:10 p.m. ET against Latvia.
Feature story: https://t.co/fJrasn23ZW pic.twitter.com/fdLGXb0ZVk
The Americans look to bring home gold for the first time since 1980, and it starts with three Group C games.
The United States starts its Olympic campaign on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 3:10 p.m. ET from the Milano Santagiulia IHO arena.
The USA vs. Latvia preliminary round matchup will be broadcast nationally on NBC in the United States and on CBC in Canada. The game will also be live streamed on Peacock.
Jake Mozarsky joined The Sporting News as an Editorial Intern in August 2025 after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He has previously written for Marquee Sports Network, Chicago This Week, Inside NU and The Daily Northwestern.