Auston Matthews Opens Olympic Account as Team USA Rolls Past Latvia
Auston Matthews couldn’t have scripted a better start to his Olympic debut. The Team USA captain and Toronto Maple Leafs star got on the board with a third-period power-play goal, helping the Americans cruise to a 5-1 win over Latvia on Thursday night. It wasn’t just the goal that stood out-it was the all-around performance that reminded fans why Matthews wears the “C” for both club and country.
Coming into the tournament, Matthews had been under a bit of a microscope. After a quiet showing in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, where he failed to find the back of the net, questions lingered about whether he could deliver on the international stage. On Thursday, he answered those questions with authority.
Two-Way Presence, Top-Line Impact
Matthews centered Team USA’s second line, flanked by Jake Guentzel (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild), and the trio looked dangerous throughout. While they didn’t dominate the scoresheet, they tilted the ice when they were out there-generating chances, sustaining pressure, and playing responsibly in all three zones.
Matthews, in particular, looked sharp. His puck movement was crisp, his positioning sound, and when the U.S. got the man advantage in the third, he didn’t hesitate.
The power-play goal wasn’t flashy-it didn’t need to be. It was a goal-scorer’s goal: quick release, top corner, and a clear sign that Matthews is locked in.
Depth on Display
As good as Matthews and his line were, it was Team USA’s fourth line that did most of the scoring damage. And when your so-called "fourth line" features Brock Nelson, Jack Hughes, and J.T. Miller, you’re not exactly scraping the bottom of the depth chart.
Nelson, in particular, was electric. He buried two goals and was a constant thorn in Latvia’s side.
That kind of depth is what separates medal contenders from the rest of the field. When your fourth line can take over a game, you’re in a good spot.
Momentum Builder for Matthews
For Matthews, this game was more than just a strong Olympic debut-it was a potential turning point. It’s no secret he’s had an up-and-down NHL season. The production hasn’t always matched the expectations, and with the Maple Leafs fighting to stay in the playoff mix, Toronto fans have been looking for signs that their captain is ready to flip the switch.
This performance in Milano-Cortina could be just that. Matthews looked confident, engaged, and in control-the kind of player who once scored 60 in a season and took home the Hart Trophy. If he can carry this form back to the NHL, it could be a game-changer for the Leafs down the stretch.
Looking Ahead
Next up for Team USA is a Valentine’s Day matchup with Denmark, who dropped their opening game 3-1 to a Leon Draisaitl-led German squad. On paper, it’s a favorable matchup for the Americans, but no one’s taking anything for granted in a short tournament like this.
For now, though, Matthews and Team USA can enjoy a strong start. The goal was a personal milestone, the win a team statement. And if this is just the beginning, fans on both sides of the border have plenty to be excited about.
Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon have already made noise for Team Canada. Now, Matthews has joined the party. The race to Olympic glory-and perhaps to define this generation’s NHL elite-is officially on.