Tkachuk Brothers Shine as Team USA Opens Olympic Campaign with Commanding Win Over Latvia
MILAN - If Team USA was looking to make a statement in its Olympic opener, consider it delivered - loud and clear.
With the crowd roaring inside Milano Santagiulia Hockey Arena, the Americans rolled to a 5-1 win over Latvia in their first preliminary round game of the 2026 Winter Olympics. And fittingly, it was a brotherly connection that got the party started.
Brady Tkachuk opened the scoring, set up by his brother Matthew, igniting the U.S. bench and silencing any early nerves. For Brady, the moment was bigger than just a goal - it was about representing something larger.
“It was amazing,” he said. “To see the flags waving, hear the chants - it’s just a reminder of the support we have back home. You’re playing in front of millions of Americans, and it’s always an honor to put this jersey on.”
Early Adversity, Veteran Response
The final score may suggest a one-sided affair, but this one had some early turbulence. After Brady’s goal, the Americans appeared to double their lead - only to have the goal overturned due to contact with the goaltender in the crease. Not long after, a second U.S. goal was wiped off the board when Latvia successfully challenged that Brock Nelson was offside before Quinn Hughes put the puck in the net.
Latvia took advantage of the momentum swing and tied the game 1-1. But rather than unravel, Team USA regrouped - a reflection of both their composure and leadership.
“The energy on the bench is terrific,” said head coach Mike Sullivan. “They never got deflated.
The talk among the guys was all about staying with it, keep playing. Those moments can change a game, and I thought we handled it really well.”
Second Period Surge
Whatever frustration the Americans felt after the disallowed goals, they channeled it perfectly in the second period. They outshot Latvia 17-2 in the frame and tilted the ice decisively in their favor.
Nelson led the charge with two goals in the period, sandwiched around a tally from Tage Thompson. Nelson’s second came off a gorgeous tic-tac-toe passing sequence with Jack Hughes - the kind of highlight-reel setup that shows just how much offensive firepower this team has.
“I was skating up the ice with Jack on a bit of a 2-on-1,” Nelson said. “I tried to give him some time, drove the back post, then peeled off. Next thing I know, the puck’s coming back around after a couple of great passes, and I’ve got an open net.”
The goal was a clinic in patience and puck movement - a snapshot of the chemistry this group is already building.
Physical Presence, Smart Adjustments
After seeing two goals taken off the board, the U.S. made a subtle but important adjustment: they got even more aggressive around the net.
“The second period on, we just wanted to make sure someone was in front of the goalie at all times,” Matthew Tkachuk said. “They were playing pretty tight, but with the skill and possession we have, we knew we’d win some battles. We had to make it harder on their goalie - make him work.”
That net-front presence paid off as the Americans wore down the Latvian defense with sustained pressure and smart puck movement.
Captain Closes It Out
Auston Matthews, wearing the “C” for Team USA, put the finishing touch on the win with a goal in the third period. From there, the Americans eased off the gas a bit, but the damage was done.
“It was just an unbelievable experience,” Nelson said. “I tried to soak it all in. I thought our line was clicking - we made a lot of good plays, had good support, and it was a strong team win to get things going.”
Room to Grow, But Foundation Set
The ice surface drew mixed reviews - some players noted it got choppy late in periods - but that’s just part of international hockey. As Charlie McAvoy put it, “Both teams have to play on the same ice, so you make do.”
What matters more is how Team USA handled the adversity, found their rhythm, and leaned on their depth and leadership to take control. From the Tkachuk brothers setting the tone, to Nelson and Hughes flashing elite playmaking, to Matthews anchoring the effort - this was a well-rounded, poised performance.
There’s a long way to go in this tournament, but if this opener is any indication, Team USA is not just here to compete - they’re here to contend.