Columbus Blue Jackets teammates Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins make Olympic debuts on opposite sides in commanding U.S. victory over Latvia.

Latvia’s Teddy Blueger tried to make a pass out of his defensive zone, but the puck hit the skates of Nylander and went to the stick of Sweden teammate Joel Eriksson Ek, whose shot on goal hit Kempe’s right skate and went in for a 1-0 lead at 10:55.

It’s been a long time coming for Latvia. They stunned Germany, 4-3, in men’s hockey on Saturday, marking their first win in the competition at a Winter Olympics since 2014, when they beat Switzerland.

Denmark and Latvia face off in this Group A men's ice hockey matchup during the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday.