Columbus Blue Jackets teammates Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins make Olympic debuts on opposite sides in commanding U.S. victory over Latvia.

Latvia’s Teddy Blueger tried to make a pass out of his defensive zone, but the puck hit the skates of Nylander and went to the stick of Sweden teammate Joel Eriksson Ek, whose shot on goal hit Kempe’s right skate and went in for a 1-0 lead at 10:55.

Team USA's quest for its first Olympic men's hockey gold since 1980 began against Latvia at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, with the B/R staff on hand to deliver live analysis and reaction.

Recapping from the final day of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which included a historic gold medal victory for the U.S. men's hockey team.

Follow along for scores, live updates, and highlights as Team USA hockey takes on Latvia in the group stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Nelson's goal was the lid lifter the U.S. men's hockey team needed to seize control of the match and get its quest for Olympic gold off to an encouraging start.

The game is airing on both USA Network and Peacock.

Denmark and Latvia face off in this Group A men's ice hockey matchup during the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday.