Brock Nelson Scores Twice as Team USA Tops Latvia 5-1 In Olympics

MILAN, Italy — The United States men's national ice hockey team opened its Olympics campaign with authority, defeating Latvia 5–1 behind two goals from veteran forward Brock Nelson.

A third-generation Team USA representative, Nelson wasted little time making his mark on the tournament. With his father and grandfather both having won gold representing the United States, Nelson now has a chance to continue the family legacy — and based on this performance, he figures to play a central role if the Americans reach the top of the podium.

Tkachuk Brothers Rekindle Magic

The early spotlight, however, belonged to the Tkachuk brothers.

Matthew Tkachuk and Brady Tkachuk connected on a two-on-one rush that looked straight out of their childhood driveway. Matthew slid the puck across to Brady, who buried it past the Latvian netminder before the brothers celebrated together — this time on the Olympics stage rather than in imagination.

Latvia responded with a goal of its own, and what appeared to be a strong first period for the United States turned complicated.

Team USA seemingly scored twice more in the opening frame, only to see both goals erased following successful challenges from Latvia. Nelson was ruled offside on one entry, and J. T. Miller was called for goaltender interference on another. Under IIHF rules, the interference call was correctly applied, though Nelson’s redirected puck likely would have found twine regardless.

Those overturned goals, combined with a pair of shots off the post, kept Latvia within striking distance early.

Nelson Breaks Through

The Americans regrouped in the second period and began to assert control.

Nelson finally broke through, finishing off a hard-working shift to give the United States breathing room. Asked afterward about pregame nerves, he admitted feeling the moment.

“Yeah, for sure, but at the same time, you just wanna go out there and play,” Nelson said. “We have a hell of a group here, good chemistry and a lot of great players, so you just try to go out there and play a simple game. Don’t overthink it, just go out there and have fun.”

He certainly looked composed when he struck again with just 11.1 seconds remaining in the middle frame, giving the U.S. firm control heading into the third. Had the earlier goal stood, Nelson would have completed a hat trick before the second intermission.

Nelson credited linemate Jack Hughes for both tallies.

“A couple of great plays by Jack, sticking with it,” Nelson said. “Did a couple of things in the first that we had some good looks… get one off the post. After that, you’re not too sure if you’re gonna get another really clean look. Fortunate to find myself with a couple of great plays by Jack.”

Statement Win to Open Group Play

Team USA added insurance in the third period to seal the 5–1 victory. With the win, the Americans are tied with Germany atop Group C and immediately establish themselves as gold medal contenders.

By the numbers, Nelson, Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel, Matthew Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes each recorded two points. Quinn Hughes logged 21:29 of ice time, anchoring the blue line despite the Americans holding a clear territorial advantage for much of the game.

Notably, both Team USA and Canada scored five goals in their respective opening matchups, setting up what could be another heavyweight clash later in the tournament.

Avalanche Angle: Momentum Carries Over

For Colorado fans, Nelson’s performance was especially encouraging. The veteran forward has been surging at the NHL level and appears to have carried that momentum seamlessly into Olympics competition.

Some questioned whether the intensity of the Games might disrupt his rhythm. Instead, he looked energized by the opportunity.

When asked whether he shared the sentiment expressed by Nathan MacKinnon — who said he felt like a kid again competing internationally — Nelson agreed.

“Uh, yeah, for sure,” he said. “I felt all the emotions coming out just being over here and trying to soak it all in. It means the world to have this opportunity.”

If this opener is any indication, Nelson isn’t just soaking it in — he’s setting the tone.