After 12 years, Team USA will play its first Olympic men’s hockey game featuring NHL players when it opens the 2026 tournament Thursday against Latvia. 

The Americans arrive in Milan coming off last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off and enter the Olympics as the defending world champions for the first time since 1933.

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This roster closely resembles the 4 Nations group, with contributors from both that event and the World Championship team expected to play key roles. 

Thursday’s matchup will provide the first real look at how head coach Mike Sullivan deploys a deep, talented 25-man squad built from the net out.

The road to gold begins against Latvia, with Denmark and Germany up next in group play.

Follow along for live updates, scores, and highlights as Team USA plays their first hockey game of the 2026 Winter Olympics. 

End Of Second Period

USA 4, Latvia 1

Team USA is created some distance after putting up three goals in the second period. 

Tage Thompson scored and Brock Nelson added two more. 

Shots on goal after second period: 

• Team USA: 32
• Team Latvia: 11

What A Goal! USA Scores Again! - 2nd, 0:11

USA 4, Latvia 1

Brock Nelson scores again! Lots of give and go before Jack Hughes serves it to Nelson on a platter.

Team USA has been absolutely dominant during the last 10 minutes of the second period.

Everything coming up BROCK. NELSON. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/yy7xGkXiR0

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 12, 2026

Tage Thompson Power Play Goal! - 2nd, 2:25

USA 3, Latvia 1

Team USA finally gets some cushion against this Latvian team after Tage Thompson chips the puck into the upper left side of the net. 

Back handed. Top shelf. USA extends the lead. 🙌 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/G7pBzvj4ip

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 12, 2026

USA Power Play - 2nd, 3:06

USA 2, Latvia 1

Two minutes for cross-checking on Roberts Mamcics.

Dominant Possession By Team USA - 2nd, 3:06

USA 2, Latvia 1

Team USA are finally looking like they are clicking, with a dominant possession where they had at least half-a-dozen shots on goal. 

No goal from their effort, but they absolutely bombarded the Elvis Merzļikins with shots, and kept the Latvian line on the ice for an extended period. 

Three minutes left in the second period. Team USA has 28 shots on goal. 

Brock Nelson Scores! - 2nd, 9:22

USA 2, Latvia 1

This goal is going to stand. Brock Nelson scores to give the USA the lead and the whole team can take a deep breath. 

Jack Huches placed the puck perfectly to Nelson, who had a wide open chance, moving the puck around Elvis Merzļikins and into the net. 

NELSON SAID THIS ONE'S GOOD 🚨 pic.twitter.com/N4KKTPlfxO

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 12, 2026

Latvian Physicality - 2nd, 11:37

USA 1, Latvia 1

Team USA has been pushed around multiple times by the Latvia team's physicality. 

Notably, Quinn Hughes was rocked after picking up pace with the puck. 

USA Penalty Kill Successful - 2nd, 17:19

USA 1, Latvia 1

Latvia mustered one shot during the power play as USA is successful in their penalty kill. 

Latvia Power Play - 2nd, 19:07

USA 1, Latvia 1

Two minutes for hooking on Jake Guentzel. 

Latvia will have their first power play of the game. 

Second Period Begins - 2nd, 20:00

USA 1, Latvia 1

After one period, Team USA and Latvia are tied 1-1. 

The second period is underway. 

The Other Group C Game

USA 1, Latvia 1

In the other Group C game, Denmark and Germany are also tied 1-1 after the first period. 

Edmonton Oiler Leon Draisaitl scored the goal for Germany. 

End Of First Period

USA 1, Latvia 1

I'm not sure this was on anyone's bingo card, but Team USA and Latvia are tied 1-1 after the first period. 

Two USA goals were disallowed after review, the first for offside and the second for goaltender interference.

Brady Tkachuk gets the lone goal for the Americans. Renārs Krastenbergs scores for Latvia. 

Team USA Power Play - 1st, 4:08

USA 1, Latvia 1

Two minutes for holding on Team Latvia's Renārs Krastenbergs.

Another USA Goal Reversed By Review - 1st, 8:25

USA 1, Latvia 1

After review, the referees deemed that J.T. Miller interfered with the Latvia goaltender before the Nelson goal. 

The Latvian coach is 2 for 2 on reviews. 

Back to a 1-1 tie. 

Brock Nelson Scores! - 1st, 8:25

USA 1, Latvia 1

Team USA retakes the lead, after Faber slung the puck in, which was redirected by Brock Nelson. 

Latvia is challenging for goaltender interference. Latvia's first challenge was successful. 

Halfway Through First Period - 1st, 9:23

USA 1, Latvia 1

Shots on goal in the first period: 

• Team USA: 8
• Team Latvia: 6

Chaos! Latvia Scores! - 1st, 12:35

USA 1, Latvia 1

Team Latvia creates chaos in front of the USA net, and the puck finds it's way across the line. 

This game is tied at 1-1 after eight minutes. 

Renārs Krastenbergs scores for Latvia. 

Latvia ties it. 12:35 left in the first. #WinterOlympics

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 12, 2026

No Goal After Review - 1st, 13:01

USA 1, Latvia 0

The Quinn Hughes goal is removed after the review concluded Team USA was offside. 

Team USA maintains the 1-0 lead. 

Quinn Hughes Scores! - 1st, 13:01

USA 1, Latvia 0

Two quick goals from Team USA, as Quinn Hughes notches the second goal. 

Team Latvia is challenging for offsides. 

Brady Tkachuk Scores! - 1st, 14:31

USA 1, Latvia 0

Matthew Tkachuk connects with brother Brady for the first goal for Team USA at these 2026 winter games.

EARLY AND OFTEN FOR USA. 🦅

📺 #WinterOlympics on Peacock and USA pic.twitter.com/RPTrilx093

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 12, 2026

Lots Of Lat-vi-a! Lat-vi-a! Cheers - 1st, 16:13

USA 0, Latvia 0

Not a warm welcome for the USA team in Milan. The crowd is clearly behind the underdogs. 

Dylan Larkin Nearly Scores - 1st, 18:16

USA 0, Latvia 0

Larkin misses the net, sending the puck directly across the crease. 

It's easy to forget how quick international hockey is, especially since it's been 12 years without NHL players in the Olympics. 

This game is off to a blistering pace. 

USA Vs. Latvia Game Begins - 1st, 20:00

USA 0, Latvia 0

The first Team USA men's hockey game of the 2026 Winter Games in Milan is underway.

FloHockey's New Daily Reaction Show

Tune in for free at 6:30 p.m. ET for first impressions and reactions on FloHockey from Chris Peters and Robert Babiak. Here's more info.

Things get kicked into high gear today in Milan! We're getting ready to break it all down for you on the Hockey Daily Reaction Show: Milan-Cortina presented by Fortune Tires.

Join @chrismpeters and @theotherbabs at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Details: https://t.co/iYUwaepRNR#FortuneTiresUSA pic.twitter.com/G25aRjKp1X

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) February 12, 2026

NHL Points Leaders On Team USA

• Jack Eichel — 50 GP, 21 G, 47 A, 68 P
• Kyle Connor — 56 GP, 25 G, 39 A, 64 P
• Matt Boldy — 54 GP, 32 G, 30 A, 62 P
• Jake Guentzel — 55 GP, 26 G, 34 A, 60 P
• Tage Thompson — 57 GP, 30 G, 29 A, 59 P
• Clayton Keller — 57 GP, 17 G, 37 A, 54 P
• Dylan Larkin — 58 GP, 26 G, 25 A, 51 P
• Brock Nelson — 55 GP, 29 G, 20 A, 49 P
• Auston Matthews — 51 GP, 26 G, 22 A, 48 P
• Brady Tkachuk — 37 GP, 14 G, 23 A, 37 P

Team USA Goalie NHL Stats

• Connor Hellebuyck — 36 GP, 13-16-7, 2.79 GAA, .900 SV%, 0 SO
• Jake Oettinger — 37 GP, 23-10-4, 2.73 GAA, .897 SV%, 2 SO
• Jeremy Swayman — 38 GP, 22-12-3, 2.92 GAA, .903 SV%, 1 SO

Team USA Lines Analysis

Here is a breakdown Team USA lines breakdown from FloHockey's Chris Peters. 

• Team USA’s strength is from the net out. They have depth at all positions, but have arguably the best goaltending trio of any nation in the Olympics. Additionally, the blue line is loaded. From top to bottom, USA’s defense can skate, they can move pucks and they have the ability to take care of their own end. 
• Up front, the U.S. is balanced with scoring and some grit, too. They’ve got size up front, with scorers on every line.
• It will be interesting to watch how Jack Hughes is deployed as he’s obviously not a natural fourth liner. We’ll see if he ends up more like the 13th forward than one of Brock Nelson and Vince Trocheck, who reportedly were rotating in. Clayton Keller is another option off the bench if someone in the top nine falters as a high-end facilitator. 
• According to Russo, Team USA’s power play units will look like this…
• PP1: Matthews, Eichel, Quinn Hughes, Matthew Tkachuk and Thompson
• PP2: Brady Tkachuk, Boldy, Connor, Werenski, Guentzel
• This looks to be the best U.S. roster on paper since the 1998 team in Nagano, which was a major disappointment in hindsight. That team lasted just four games. This year’s group will be far different.
• The U.S. opens the tournament against Latvia, then has Denmark Saturday and Germany on Sunday. USA is considered to have the weakest bracket among the power nations, but nothing can be taken for granted at the Olympics. Getting the bye to the quarterfinal is mission No. 1 for Team USA on their quest for gold and it starts Thursday.

Team USA Lines Vs. Latvia

Forwards

• Brady Tkachuk – Jack Eichel – Matthew Tkachuk
• Jake Guentzel – Auston Matthews – Matt Boldy
• Kyle Connor – Dylan Larkin – Tage Thompson
• Brock Nelson – Jack Hughes – Vincent Trocheck

Defense

• Charlie McAvoy – Quinn Hughes
• Brock Faber – Jaccob Slavin
• Zach Werenski – Jake Sanderson

Extra Defenseman

• Noah Hanifin

Goaltenders

• Starter: Jeremy Swayman
• Backup: Connor Hellebuyck

Not Dressed:

• Jackson LaCombe
• Jake Oettinger
• Clayton Keller

First looks at how Team USA is lining up at the #WinterOlympics 👀

See ya in one hour for puck drop! pic.twitter.com/LCOLJiCyqA

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 12, 2026

Latvia Hockey Lines Vs. Team USA

Forwards

• Sandis Vilmanis – Zemgus Girgensons – Eduards Tralmaks
• Rihards Bukarts – Rūdolfs Balcers – Teodors Bļugers
• Renārs Krastenbergs – Dans Ločmelis – Kaspars Daugaviņš
• Mārtiņš Dzierkals – Anrī Ravinskis – Oskars Batņa

Extra Forward

• Haralds Egle

Defense

• Uvis Balinskis – Kristiāns Rubīns
• Jānis Jaks – Kristaps Zīle
• Alberts Šmits – Roberts Mamčics

Extra Defenseman

• Ralfs Freibergs

Goaltenders

• Starter: Elvis Merzļikins
• Backup: Artūrs Šilovs

Not Dressed:

• Oskars Cibuļskis
• Kristers Gudļevskis
• Roberts Bukarts

What Channel Is USA Hockey On?

The Team USA vs. Latvia game will be broadcast on Peacock, USA Network, and NBCOlympics.com.

In Canada, olympic hockey will be broadcast on CBC. 

Watch professional and junior hockey live streaming throughout February on FloHockey including the American Hockey League (AHL), ECHL, and many of North America's top junior leagues: OHL, QMJHL, and USHL.

USA Men's Hockey First Game At 2026 Winter Games

Team USA will take on Latvia in the Americans first game at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan. 

The game takes place at 3:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 12. 

Team USA Men’s Olympic Hockey Roster 2026 Winter Olympics

Here's the Team USA men’s ice hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina.

Forwards

• 12 – Matt Boldy – Forward (Minnesota Wild)
• 81 – Kyle Connor – Forward (Winnipeg Jets)
• 9 – Jack Eichel – Forward (Vegas Golden Knights)
• 59 – Jake Guentzel – Forward (Tampa Bay Lightning)
• 86 – Jack Hughes – Forward (New Jersey Devils)
• 91 – Clayton Keller – Forward (Utah Mammoth)
• 21 – Dylan Larkin – Forward (Detroit Red Wings)
• 34 – Auston Matthews – Forward (Toronto Maple Leafs)
• 10 – J.T. Miller – Forward (New York Rangers)
• 29 – Brock Nelson – Forward (Colorado Avalanche)
• 72 – Tage Thompson – Forward (Buffalo Sabres)
• 7 – Brady Tkachuk – Forward (Ottawa Senators)
• 19 – Matthew Tkachuk – Forward (Florida Panthers)
• 16 – Vincent Trocheck – Forward (New York Rangers)

Defensemen

• 14 – Brock Faber – Defenseman (Minnesota Wild)
• 15 – Noah Hanifin – Defenseman (Vegas Golden Knights)
• 43 – Quinn Hughes – Defenseman (Minnesota Wild)
• 2 – Jackson LaCombe – Defenseman (Anaheim Ducks)
• 25 – Charlie McAvoy – Defenseman (Boston Bruins)
• 85 – Jake Sanderson – Defenseman (Ottawa Senators)
• 74 – Jaccob Slavin – Defenseman (Carolina Hurricanes)
• 8 – Zach Werenski – Defenseman (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Goaltenders

• 37 – Connor Hellebuyck – Goaltender (Winnipeg Jets)
• 30 – Jake Oettinger – Goaltender (Dallas Stars)
• 1 – Jeremy Swayman – Goaltender (Boston Bruins)

Latvia Men's Hockey Team

Here's the Latvia men’s ice hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina.

Forwards

• 9 – Renars Krastenbergs – Forward (Graz 99ers)
• 13 – Rihards Bukarts – Forward (HC Vitkovice Ridera)
• 16 – Kaspars Daugavins – Forward (Dukla Michalovce)
• 17 – Martins Dzierkals – Forward (Skelleftea AIK)
• 18 – Rodrigo Abols – Forward (Rogle BK)
• 20 – Raivis Ansons – Forward (Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins)
• 34 – Eduards Tralmaks – Forward (Rytiri Kladno)
• 36 – Martins Lavins – Forward (University of New Hampshire)
• 70 – Miks Indrasis – Forward (Brynas IF)
• 71 – Roberts Bukarts – Forward (Vitkovice Ostrava)
• 82 – Felikss Gavars – Forward (St. Lawrence University)
• 85 – Dans Locmelis – Forward (University of Massachusetts)
• 95 – Oskars Batna – Forward (Jukurit Mikkeli)
• 97 – Haralds Egle – Forward (MHK 32 Liptovsky Mikulas)

Defensemen

• 2 – Karlis Cukste – Defenseman (Brynas IF)
• 6 – Markuss Komuls – Defenseman (No club listed)
• 27 – Oskars Cibulskis – Defenseman (Herning Blue Fox)
• 29 – Ralfs Freibergs – Defenseman (Mountfield HK)
• 55 – Roberts Mamcics – Defenseman (HC Nove Zamky)
• 65 – Arvils Bergmanis – Defenseman (University of Alaska Fairbanks)
• 72 – Janis Jaks – Defenseman (HC Litvinov)
• 77 – Kristaps Roberts Zile – Defenseman (HC Litvinov)

Goaltenders

• 30 – Elvis Merzlikins – Goaltender (Columbus Blue Jackets)
• 35 – Eriks Vitols – Goaltender (JYP Jyvaskyla)
• 50 – Kristers Gudlevskis – Goaltender (Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven)

Men's Olympic Hockey Scores

Wednesday, Feb. 11

• Slovakia 4, Finland 1
• Sweden 5, Italy 2

Thursday, Feb. 12

• Switzerland 4, France 0
• Canada 5, Czechia 0

Men's Olympic Hockey Schedule 2026

Wednesday, Feb. 11

• 10:40 a.m. ET – Slovakia vs. Finland
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Sweden vs. Italy

Thursday, Feb. 12

• 6:10 a.m. ET – Switzerland vs. France
• 10:40 a.m. ET – Czechia vs. Canada
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Latvia vs. USA
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Germany vs. Denmark

Friday, Feb. 13

• 6:10 a.m. ET – Finland vs. Sweden
• 6:10 a.m. ET – Italy vs. Slovakia
• 10:40 a.m. ET – France vs. Czechia
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Canada vs. Switzerland

Saturday, Feb. 14

• 6:10 a.m. ET – Sweden vs. Slovakia
• 6:10 a.m. ET – Germany vs. Latvia
• 10:40 a.m. ET – Finland vs. Italy
• 3:10 p.m. ET – USA vs. Denmark

Sunday, Feb. 15

• 6:10 a.m. ET – Switzerland vs. Czechia
• 10:40 a.m. ET – Canada vs. France
• 1:10 p.m. ET – Denmark vs. Latvia
• 3:10 p.m. ET – USA vs. Germany

Tuesday, Feb. 17 — Qualification Playoffs

• 6:10 a.m. ET – Qualification Playoff 1
• 6:10 a.m. ET – Qualification Playoff 2
• 10:40 a.m. ET – Qualification Playoff 3
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Qualification Playoff 4

Wednesday, Feb. 18 — Quarterfinals

• 6:10 a.m. ET – Quarterfinal 1
• 10:40 a.m. ET – Quarterfinal 2
• 12:10 p.m. ET – Quarterfinal 3
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Quarterfinal 4

Friday, Feb. 20 — Semifinals

• 10:40 a.m. ET – Semifinal 1
• 3:10 p.m. ET – Semifinal 2

Saturday, Feb. 21

• 2:40 p.m. ET – Men’s Bronze medal game

Sunday, Feb. 22

• 8:10 a.m. ET – Men’s Gold medal game

Can You Fight In Olympic Hockey?

No, fighting is not allowed in Men's Olympic Hockey.

• Olympic hockey follows IIHF rules, not NHL rules. 
• Any player who starts or participates in a fight is assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct. 
• Officials can also issue additional discipline depending on severity.

Milan Cortina 2026 Live Coverage Coming To FloHockey

FloHockey is your source for the best coverage, live broadcasts, and all-access content below the National Hockey League—over the next few weeks that includes coverage of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy. 

Every day at 6:30 p.m. ET from Feb. 12-18, FloHockey analyst Chris Peters and co-host Robert Rabiak will be bringing you the latest coverage, analysis, and news from Milan Cortina 2026.

Here's when to tune in on the final weekend, Feb. 19-22:

• Thursday, Feb. 19 - 4:30 p.m. ET
• Friday, Feb. 20 - 6:30 p.m. ET
• Saturday, Feb. 21 - 9:05 p.m. ET
• Sunday, Feb. 22 - 11:30 a.m. ET

Tune in LIVE on the FloHockey 24/7 FAST channel, available on Prime Video and Fubo, or watch for free on FloHockey YouTube.

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From the top 2026 NHL draft prospects to first-round picks looking to develop their game before making it in the National Hockey League—FloHockey has the best broadcast schedule for junior hockey and professional hockey below the NHL.

Each week, you can catch numerous Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), American Hockey League (AHL), ECHL and many more games streaming live for free on FloHockey and YouTube.

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

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