Team USA is set to drop the puck on its Olympic journey Thursday afternoon against Latvia, and they’ll do it with their ace between the pipes. Connor Hellebuyck gets the start in goal, and it’s a move that signals just how serious the Americans are about chasing gold this time around.
Hellebuyck has been the backbone of Team USA’s goaltending corps, and there’s no mystery why. He played in three of four games at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, and while the tournament ended in heartbreak - Connor McDavid beat him in overtime to give Canada a 3-2 win and the title - Hellebuyck didn’t let that moment define his season.
Instead, he turned around and delivered one of the most dominant campaigns we’ve seen from a netminder in years, taking home his third Vezina Trophy and, for the first time, the Hart Trophy as league MVP. That’s rare air for a goalie, and it speaks volumes about where his game is right now.
The Americans are rolling into the Olympics with the same trio of goalies they brought to the 4 Nations: Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars), and Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins). While Oettinger and Swayman could see action in the group stage, especially if the U.S. locks up early wins, the expectation is clear - when the games start to matter most, Hellebuyck will be the guy.
Up front, Team USA is sticking with the line combinations they’ve been running in practice this week. That means we’ll see the Tkachuk brothers - Matthew and Brady - flanking Jack Eichel, forming a power-forward line that can grind you down and still finish with flair. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews will center a high-skill unit with Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy, giving the Americans a top six that blends physicality, speed, and elite scoring touch.
On the blue line, there’s no major shakeup either. Jackson LaCombe and Clayton Keller are expected to be healthy scratches for the opener, as the Olympic format allows teams to dress 13 forwards and seven defensemen. That could mean Vincent Trocheck and Noah Hanifin start the tournament on the bench, though both are capable of stepping in if needed.
Across the ice, Latvia will counter with Elvis Merzlikins in goal. The Columbus Blue Jackets netminder is no stranger to high-pressure games, and he’ll have his hands full against a U.S. squad that’s expected to come out flying. The Americans are favored to handle their round-robin schedule, but nothing’s ever guaranteed in Olympic hockey - especially when you’re facing a team like Latvia that’s known for playing with grit and pride.
Still, with Hellebuyck anchoring the back end and a deep, balanced roster in front of him, Team USA enters this tournament with gold firmly in its sights. The journey starts now - and if this group plays to its potential, it could end on the top step of the podium.