KEY POINT
- Brock Nelson scored twice to lead the United States to a 5-1 win in its Olympic opener.
- The US showcased offensive depth with five different goal scorers.
- The victory gives the Americans early momentum in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics preliminary round.
MILAN, Italy — Brock Nelson scored twice and Jack Hughes had three assists as the United States opened the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament with a 5-1 victory over Latvia on Thursday, asserting early control in preliminary round play.
Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson and Auston Matthews also scored for the Americans. Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Hughes had three assists as the United States opened the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament with a 5-1 victory over Latvia on Thursday, asserting early control in preliminary round play.
Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson and Auston Matthews also scored for the Americans. Matthew Tkachuk and Jack Eichel each recorded two assists in a performance marked by sustained puck possession and balanced scoring across multiple lines.
Renars Krastenbergs scored for Latvia, and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made 33 saves. The United States will face Denmark on Saturday, while Latvia is scheduled to play Germany.
The result places the United States in favorable early position in group standings, where goal differential and head to head results often determine seeding for the knockout phase.
With NHL ll caliber talent throughout the roster, the Americans emphasized tempo and quick puck movement from the outset.
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics represent a significant international test for a US program seeking its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980.
The United States took a 1-0 lead at 5:29 of the first period. Zach Werenski controlled the puck along the wall in the Latvia zone and passed to Matthew Tkachuk, who chipped it into the middle. Brady Tkachuk scored from the right hash marks to open the scoring.
Nelson added his first goal later in the period, capitalizing on sustained offensive pressure. He scored again in the second period to extend the advantage, finishing a sequence generated by quick puck circulation in the offensive zone.
Latvia responded when Krastenbergs converted during a transition opportunity, narrowing the deficit briefly. However, the United States regained control as Matthews and Thompson added goals to secure the 5-1 margin.
The Americans outshot Latvia and limited high danger chances, while Merzlikins kept the game from widening further with several point blank saves.
The Olympic men’s hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics carries heightened attention due to the presence of established NHL players.
The inclusion of elite professional talent has increased competitive balance among traditional powers such as the United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland, while offering emerging programs opportunities for statement performances.
Latvia has strengthened its international standing in recent years, highlighted by a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
That success elevated expectations entering the Olympic cycle, particularly with Merzlikins providing experienced goaltending.
For the United States, recent Olympic tournaments have produced competitive results but no gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” era. Depth scoring and special teams efficiency remain central themes in the program’s long term strategy.
United States Olympic Opener Snapshot
| Category | United States | Latvia |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 5 | 1 |
| Goals by Period | 2-2-1 | 0-1-0 |
| Goaltender Saves | — | 33 |
| Next Game | Denmark | Germany |
Dan Marr, vice president of NHL Central Scouting, said roster depth often defines Olympic tournaments.
“In short competitions with limited recovery time, teams that can roll four lines effectively have an advantage,” Marr said. “The United States demonstrated balanced scoring and defensive responsibility, which are critical in international play.”
International hockey analyst Julie Stewart Binks noted the Americans’ structured transition game.
“The US controlled entries and maintained puck support in all three zones,” Stewart Binks said. “That reduces exposure defensively and increases sustained offensive zone time, which we saw reflected in the shot totals.”
Latvian Hockey Federation president Aigars Kalvītis said in a statement that discipline and defensive cohesion will be priorities moving forward.
“We must tighten our structure and limit turnovers,” Kalvītis said. “The tournament is long enough to respond, but margins are small.”
US head coach Mike Sullivan said the team focused on pace and puck management.
“We wanted to establish our identity early,” Sullivan said. “Our players stayed committed to structure and took advantage of opportunities.”
Nelson said the team emphasized composure after Latvia’s goal.
“They pushed back, and that’s expected at this level,” Nelson said. “We stayed with our game and continued to create chances.”
Merzlikins acknowledged the challenge posed by the American attack.
“They have skill on every line,” Merzlikins said. “We need to be sharper in front of our net.”
The United States’ next game against Denmark will influence group standings and potential quarterfinal matchups. Maintaining goal differential and defensive consistency will remain priorities as the preliminary round progresses.
Latvia faces Germany in a matchup that could prove pivotal in determining advancement to the knockout stage.
Brock Nelson’s two goals anchored a balanced offensive performance as the United States opened the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics with a 5-1 victory over Latvia.
The result provides early momentum in group play and underscores the depth and structure the Americans will rely on as the tournament advances.
