USA Overpowers Latvia 5-1 in Olympic Hockey Statement Win
Team USA has sent a clear message to the rest of the hockey world and it came loud and unmistakable in a 5–1 victory over Latvia to open their Olympic campaign in Milan.
From the very first puck drop at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, the Americans showed depth, speed and discipline. This was not just a win. It was a demonstration of how serious the United States is about chasing its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980.
Brock Nelson led the charge with two goals, but this was far from a one-man performance. Ten different American players recorded at least one point. Jack Hughes was electric, setting up multiple scoring plays. Quinn Hughes, Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel each contributed two assists. Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson and Auston Matthews all found the back of the net. The offense came in waves and it never really stopped.
Latvia managed to keep things level early. After Brady Tkachuk opened the scoring, Renars Krastenbergs answered to tie the game in the first period. And for a moment, it looked like Latvia might frustrate the Americans. Two U.S. goals were waved off in that opening frame, which could have rattled a less mature team.
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But the response in the second period told the real story.
The United States outshot Latvia 17–2 in that stretch and scored three unanswered goals. Nelson’s go-ahead goal midway through the period shifted the momentum completely. From there, the Americans controlled the pace, the puck and the physical battles. By the time Matthews added a power-play goal early in the third, the outcome was no longer in doubt.
This matters because Olympic tournaments are short, intense and unforgiving. Momentum is everything. A strong opening win builds confidence, but it also sends a warning to other contenders like Canada, Sweden and Finland. The Americans are deep. They are disciplined. And they are willing to sacrifice individual roles for team success.
Latvia, a proud but smaller hockey nation, fought hard. Their goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made key saves early. But the depth and size of the American roster eventually wore them down.
For Team USA, this is just the beginning. The group stage continues and tougher tests are ahead. But if this opener is any indication, the Americans are not just here to compete. They are here to dominate.
Stay with us for continuing coverage from Milan as the race for Olympic gold intensifies and follow every twist and turn of this tournament as it unfolds on the world stage.
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