Brock Nelson Leads U.S. to 5-1 Olympic Win Over Latvia
Brock Nelson scored twice as the U.S. beat Latvia 5-1 in its Olympic opener on Feb. 12, 2026, in Milan.
Overview
Brock Nelson scored two goals and Team USA defeated Latvia 5-1 in the men's Olympic opener on Feb. 12, 2026, in Milan, with his second coming 11.1 seconds before the second-period horn, according to game records.
Two U.S. goals were overturned after coach challenges in the first period, leaving the game tied until the second period when the Americans began to pull away, records show.
Winger Jake Guentzel said after the game, "We believe in the depth we have," and coach Mike Sullivan said in postgame remarks he did not always agree with the calls.
Team USA outshot Latvia 38-18 and starter Connor Hellebuyck made 17 saves while Latvian goalie Elvis Merzlikins was pulled and replaced by Arturs Silovs to start the third period, records show.
Team USA is scheduled to play Denmark on Feb. 14, 2026, and Germany on Feb. 15, 2026, and coach Mike Sullivan said the team will "continue to get better every game," signaling focus on depth going forward.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the game as a confident, celebratory U.S. victory by privileging American voices and positive descriptors while minimizing Latvian perspective. Editorial choices — loaded adjectives like fabulous and phrases stating Latvia never really posed a threat, selective U.S. quotes, and structural emphasis on overturned goals and shot totals — construct an assured narrative of dominance.
Sources (4)
FAQ
Brock Nelson scored two goals, while Brady Tkachuk, Tage Thompson, and Auston Matthews each scored one goal.
Jack Hughes assisted on both of Brock Nelson's goals.
Elvis Merzlikins allowed four goals on 32 shots through two periods and was replaced by Arturs Silovs for the third period.
Team USA is scheduled to play Denmark on Feb. 14, 2026, and Germany on Feb. 15, 2026.
Brock Nelson, 34-year-old forward for the Colorado Avalanche from Warroad, Minn., had 29 goals in 55 NHL games this season, sixth among U.S.-born players.
History
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