Team USA Starts Hot, But Controversy Clouds First Period vs. Latvia in Olympic Opener
The U.S. men’s hockey team came out flying in their Olympic opener against Latvia-but if you only looked at the scoreboard after the first period, you might not have guessed it. Three pucks found the back of the net for Team USA, but only one of them stuck. Latvia successfully challenged two of the American goals, leaving the game tied 1-1 after a chaotic and, frankly, bizarre first 20 minutes.
It was a strange start for a U.S. squad loaded with NHL talent and high expectations. The early offensive pressure was there, the puck movement looked crisp, and the Americans were clearly the aggressors. But Latvia made the most of their video review opportunities, and that kept them in it.
Among the U.S. stars making their presence felt early were Jack Eichel and the Tkachuk brothers-Matthew and Brady-who were on the ice for the lone goal that counted. That top line has the kind of chemistry you’d expect from players used to carrying the load for their NHL clubs, and they looked every bit the part here. Eichel’s vision, combined with the Tkachuks’ physicality and finishing touch, gave Latvia all kinds of problems in the offensive zone.
But while some of the big names were buzzing, one star was notably quiet: Jack Hughes.
Yes, Hughes is in the lineup and logging regular shifts. He’s skating on what looks like the fourth line, centered by veteran Brock Nelson with J.T.
Miller on the opposite wing. That trio was on the ice for what initially looked like a goal-Nelson tipped one in from the slot-but the play was wiped out after a goalie interference call on Miller.
It was the second disallowed goal for the U.S. in the period, and another frustrating moment for a team that felt like it should’ve had a multi-goal lead.
Hughes hasn’t made a major impact just yet, but it’s early. He’s got the kind of skill that can flip a game in a heartbeat, and his role could grow as the tournament unfolds. For now, though, he’s playing within the structure, getting his touches, and waiting for the right moment to strike.
On the back end, Quinn Hughes-Jack’s older brother-is already logging heavy minutes as a top-pair defenseman. He’s poised, smooth, and clearly trusted by the coaching staff to be a stabilizing force on the blue line. That’s no surprise to anyone who’s watched his NHL game evolve over the past few years.
And yes, this is very much a family affair for the Hughes clan. Their mother, Ellen, is in the building-not just as a proud parent, but in her role as a player development coach for the U.S. women’s team.
Their younger brother, Luke, is also believed to be in town. He didn’t make the men’s Olympic roster but continues to skate alongside Jack with the Devils.
So while the scoreboard might not have reflected it, the U.S. had a strong first period-just not without drama. If they keep up this level of play (and keep the goals on the board), they’ll be a tough out in this tournament.