Olympic Hockey: Canada, US Win Big in Day 2 Action
Canada and US start strong at Olympic hockey, with Canada shutting out Czech Republic 5-0 and US beating Latvia 5-1.
“That's what's great about this group. Hey, listen, it's just one game...”
Canada and the United States kicked off their Olympic ice hockey campaigns with impressive wins. Canada dominated Czech Republic 5-0, with goalie Jordan Binnington shutting out the Czechs with 26 saves. Macklin Celebrini scored in the first period, and Mark Stone, Bo Horvat, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nick Suzuki added goals, showcasing Canada's strength.
The United States bounced back from a shaky start to beat Latvia 5-1. Brock Nelson scored twice, and Tage Thompson and Auston Matthews also scored for the Americans. The Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, connected on the first goal, setting the tone for the US victory.
Canada's goalie Jordan Binnington was unbeatable, turning away all 26 shots he faced. The 19-year-old prodigy Macklin Celebrini scored in the first period, while Mark Stone, Bo Horvat, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nick Suzuki added goals. Connor McDavid contributed three assists to Canada's dominant 5-0 win.
Canada coach Jon Cooper emphasized his team's mindset: “There's nobody in that room that's entitled,” referring to the team's lineup of NHL stars.
“That's what's great about this group. Hey, listen, it's just one game. But the way we've started and the way today's gone, (I'm) pretty proud and confident.”
Canada's ice hockey team is dominating the Olympics, and it's no surprise given their passion for the sport. Goalie Jordan Binnington made an incredible save on Czech forward David Kampf's prime chance, and Cale Makar's shot was tipped in by Macklin Celebrini to get Canada on the board.
Canada's roster is stacked with NHL stars, including Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon, which is giving them a significant edge.
Mitch Marner's magic touch in the crease led to a beauty of a goal, flipping the puck over Czech defenceman David Spacek and setting up Mark Stone for the tap-in. Bo Horvat sealed another goal with less than three minutes to go before the second intermission, beating the Czech goalie with ease.
Nathan MacKinnon's fourth goal was a testament to Canada's star power, with assists from NHL points leader Connor McDavid and captain Sidney Crosby. Nick Suzuki sealed the deal with the fifth goal, courtesy of another McDavid assist. Canada's next match is against Switzerland, while Czech Republic takes on France.
United States Finds Rhythm in Thrilling Win Over Latvia
The US men's hockey team found its groove in a 5-1 win over Latvia, thanks to Brock Nelson's two-goal performance in the second period. The Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, connected early for the US, but Latvia challenged two goals, making it a rocky start. However, Nelson's goals, along with Tage Thompson's and Auston Matthews' scores, secured the Americans' victory.
Key Players Shine in Dominant Performance
Nelson's two goals were a highlight, as he outmaneuvered Latvia's goalie Elvis Merzlikins. The Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, also made an impact, with Brady scoring the first US goal and Matthew contributing assists. The team's depth was evident, with Tage Thompson and Auston Matthews adding crucial scores.
Brock Nelson shared his thoughts on the team's performance, saying, “Just tried to stick with it,” adding that the team's positivity played a big role. The U.S. team's next match is against Denmark on Saturday in Group C action.
Starting off strong. 😤
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 12, 2026
The men of @usahockey defeat Latvia in their first game of the #WinterOlympics! pic.twitter.com/AluLgTp1oy
The Tkachuk brothers made magic happen on the ice, with Matthew feeding the puck to Brady, who fired it off the inside post, sending American fans into a frenzy. The U.S. is looking strong, and their next match against Denmark will be a great test.
US hockey drama. Quinn Hughes scored 90 seconds later, but it was called back for offside. Then, Latvian forward Renars Krastenbergs leveled the score in the eighth minute, pushing the puck under the US goalie's leg. JT Miller tried to give the US the lead again, deflecting a bouncing puck, but it was ruled goaltender interference.
The US team's composure on the ice was evident as they returned to play, with Brock Nelson scoring midway through the second period, thanks to an assist from Jack Hughes. Tage Thompson added to the lead with a stunning backhand shot over Elvis Merzlikins' shoulder on the power play. Jack Hughes continued to impress, assisting Nelson on another goal, putting the US fans at ease. Auston Matthews sealed the deal with a flip shot from the slot early in the third period.
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