USA hockey schedule starts with Latvia matchup Thursday at Olympics

Team USA hockey schedule kicks off with a critical matchup against Latvia this Thursday night in Milan. The 2026 Olympic preliminary round opener tips at 3:10 PM ET, marking the Americans’ path to gold against a gritty, unpredictable underdog squad.

USA Hockey Schedule Begins Against Latvia in High-Stakes Opener

Team USA enters the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics as a medal favorite. The Americans face Latvia, a squad with dangerous NHL goaltenders and veteran grit. This preliminary round matchup sets the tone for three group games before the knockout stage. The Americans must establish dominance early against a team known for defensive discipline and physical forechecking.

USA’s path includes meetings with Denmark on February 14 and Germany on February 15. Experts predict the Americans finish undefeated in group play, though one analysis warned of potential struggles against stronger German opponents. Winning convincingly against Latvia sends a powerful message heading into those crucial contests.

USA Roster Loaded with NHL Superstars and Olympic Veterans

The American roster features 25 elite players from the National Hockey League, including dynamic forwards and a strong defensive core. Auston Matthews, Jake Guentzel, and Jack Hughes anchor the offensive attack, while Brock Faber returns as an Olympic veteran from Beijing 2022. The team also features two sets of brothers, including Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, plus Quinn and Jack Hughes.

Coach selection emphasizes 4 Nations Face-Off participants, a tournament that drummed up unprecedented interest in international professional hockey. This experience translates to immediate chemistry and confidence. The Americans boast superior skill depth compared to most Group C opponents, giving them every advantage in preliminary round play.

Latvia’s Underdog Credentials Built on Goaltending and Grit

Latvia presents a tougher test than traditional opening opponents. The Latvian squad features Elvis Merzļikins (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Artūrs Šilovs (Pittsburgh Penguins), a formidable goaltender tandem capable of stealing games. Zemgus Girgensons (Tampa Bay Lightning) leads the forwards with veteran NHL experience, while Rodrigo Ābols (Philadelphia Flyers) provides scoring punch.

Factor	USA	Latvia
Roster Depth	NHL superstars across all lines	Veteran core, limited scoring depth
Key Strength	Offensive firepower and speed	Goaltending and defensive discipline
Potential Weakness	Offensive zone consistency	Limited depth scoring options
Coach Experience	4 Nations Face-Off chemistry	2023 World Championship bronze medal run

Head Coach Harijs Vītoliņš brings Olympic gold-medal experience from his role with the 2018 Russian Olympic team. Under his leadership, Latvia reached the 2023 World Championship semi-finals, capturing a historic bronze medal. The team plays a physically aggressive forecheck and structured neutral zone defense, designed to frustrate high-powered offenses.

“Grit, discipline, and strong goaltending make Latvia a tough, unpredictable contender in Group C.”

— Eurohockey.com, Olympic Games Preview

Betting Odds Heavily Favor Americans in Preliminary Round Clash

USA sits as a strong 3.5-point favorite according to sportsbook lines released this week. Betting odds favor the Americans at 92% probability to win the game outright. Latvia’s underdog status offers positive moneyline returns for bettors seeking value, but experts universally predict an American victory.

The odds reflect reality, with USA’s superior roster talent providing an undeniable edge. Even if Merzļikins steals a game with exceptional goaltending, the American offense should break through with multiple scoring chances. Expert predictions consistently project USA finishing undefeated in group play, though margin-of-victory varies.

What’s on the Line for USA Hockey as Preliminary Round Opens?

Team USA’s Olympic gold-medal hopes begin with establishing early momentum and confidence. A dominant victory over Latvia sends a message to eventual bronze-medal favorite Canada and other top contenders. The Americans must protect their outstanding roster talent while building chemistry for the knockout stage.

The USA schedule stacks three games in four days, so managing player fatigue and injuries becomes crucial. Latvia presents an ideal first opponent for testing systems and building confidence without excessive physical toll. Will USA’s depth advantage prove decisive in establishing themselves as Olympic gold-medal favorites?

Sources

• Team USA Hockey – Official 2026 Olympic Men’s Hockey Schedule and Roster Information
• Eurohockey.com – Olympic Games Milano-Cortina 2026 Preview and Analysis
• ESPN and BetMGM – USA vs Latvia Odds, Predictions, and Betting Analysis