The Hat Trick: Team USA Overcome Two Overturned Goals To Secure Statement Victory Over Latvia

SALT LAKE CITY – Despite a chaotic first period with two overturned goals in favor of Latvia, the United States orchestrated an explosive second period as they settled into their game to establish an insurmountable lead.

Led by forward Brock Nelson, USA’s offense caught fire in the middle frame to secure a statement 5-1 victory.

Two successful coach’s challenges by Latvia and a few posts kept the game tied early

There wasn’t much puck luck for the United States against Latvia through the first period on Thursday as two successful coach’s challenges and a few posts erased what should’ve been a 4-1 or 5-1 lead.

Despite jumping out to an early 1-0 advantage after Matthew Tkachuk found his brother Brady in the slot, the Americans endured some adversity as the puck refused to cross the line and Latvia capitalized on the momentum.

Tkachuk ➡️ Tkachuk connection.

Gorgeous pass from Matthew & Brady goes short side to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead early.pic.twitter.com/jQaUd6sOQS

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 12, 2026

Facing a juggernaut squad of Americans, Latvia had to utilize every single trick up their sleeve to stay in the game early on.

Utilizing two coach’s challenges, Latvia successfully overturned two consecutive goals by the United States to erase a 3-1 lead.

What were the calls?

After Quinn Hughes sniped goaltender Elvis Merzlikins from the slot, it was determined that the United States was in fact offside as they attempted to enter the zone.

Shortly after, a tip in front by Brock Nelson was also overturned as JT Miller was caught with his skates in the crease, resulting in goaltender interference.

That goalie interference overturn tracks with IIHF rules. Zero tolerance for contact in crease, and can whistle play dead if they see it during action.

Every team will be showing that one to their players to remind them

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 12, 2026

This sequence of overturned goals completely threw Team USA off their game.

Not only did Latvia capitalize on the momentum as they tied the game on a dirty rebound, but USA also failed to finish their chances.

This left the United States a bit disoriented until they settled into their game in the second period.

An explosive second period fueled Team USA to victory as they settled into their game

While it took a little longer than expected, the United States finally settled into their game late in the second as they scored three goals over the final nine minutes.

After Brock Nelson gave his country an undeniable one-goal lead just past the midway point of the period, the Americans suddenly had new life.

Elite movement as Hughes pulled the defensemen out of position & Nelson went right to the net.

Forehand ➡️ backhand to light the lamp & Nelson signaled it was good 🤣pic.twitter.com/vtXa24vo2o

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 12, 2026

With the ice tilting back in their favor, Team USA regained momentum as they played with pace, generated off the rush, asserted themselves physically and then broke down Latvia with well-orchestrated, pinpoint passing.

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

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

Auston Matthews’ first Olympic goal — and he does it with the “C.” 😮‍💨#WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/pmbFq2NLgU

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

That’s the brand of hockey everyone expected from the U.S. in Milan.

An offensive juggernaut with instant, undeniable chemistry that can tear any opponent to shreds without skipping a beat.

So, while the first period was not ideal, the Americans stuck with it, settled down and played the brand of hockey they’re capable of.

If they can replicate that style and intensity moving forward, they’ll have an opportunity to go toe-to-toe with Canada for gold.

Brock Nelson played a smart, impactful game to lead USA over Latvia

34-year-old Brock Nelson stole the show in Milan against Latvia, as the seasoned veteran made all the right plays to lift his country to victory.

Following a chaotic first frame, Nelson kept his squad grounded and utilized his hockey IQ to find the back of the net twice.

On the first, Nelson recognized Jack Hughes pulling the defense out of position and cut straight to the slot for a grade A scoring chance which he finished on the backhand.

As for the second, Nelson took two defensemen with him behind the net as USA entered the zone and then peeled off back to the front for an easy tap in.

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

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

Elite positioning from the most experienced player on Team USA.

In addition to his two critical goals, Nelson also led the United States in plus/minus (+2), had the second most shots on goal (3) and contributed to the PK.

Coming into the tournament, many had questioned Nelson making the roster.

Today, he silenced the haters as he was easily the best skater on the ice.

What’s next for Team USA Hockey?

Following their victory over Canada, the United States Women’s hockey team will face Italy in the quarterfinals on Friday at 1:10 p.m. MT.

After defeating Latvia, the United States Men’s hockey team will play Denmark on Saturday at 1:10 p.m. MT.

Both games will be available via stream on Peacock

Cole Bagley is the Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV. 

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