Team USA dominated Latvia 5-1 in their Olympic opener after a dramatic first period. Two early American goals were wiped off the board via successful coach's challenges from Latvia, but the Americans responded with four unanswered scores. Brock Nelson emerged as the star with two goals, while Tage Thompson and Auston Matthews also found the net.

The Hughes brothers powered the offense with Quinn and Jack each notching two assists. The Tkachuk brothers made their presence felt too, with Brady scoring the opening goal and Matthew adding two helpers. Coach Mike Sullivan faces lineup decisions after the fourth line featuring Nelson delivered impressive results against a physical Latvian defense.

Despite the early adversity, Team USA controlled play with speed, physicality, and puck possession throughout the contest. The Americans wore down Latvia in the final 40 minutes, establishing themselves as gold medal contenders. With a dominant performance grade of A, Team USA now shifts focus to Saturday's match against Denmark.