A US men’s hockey team replete with NHL stars got a lopsided win in its Olympic opener, but things did not get off to an easy start against underdog Latvia in Milan on Thursday.
The Americans had not one, but two goals overturned during a nervous first period before Latvia scored an equalizer ahead of the first intermission. Ultimately the US would get going in the second period and finished with a 5-1 win in Group C.
The first of the would-be goals came from Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, but was overturned after a Latvia challenged revealed the US was offsides on the play.
Similarly, a later goal from Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson was overturned when another challenge revealed New York Rangers veteran JT Miller interfered with goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
Playing alongside his brother, Matthew, Brady Tkachuk scored the first goal of the game in the opening period. Nelson would go on to score a pair, while Tage Thompson added a power-play goal and Auston Matthews had an even-strength score.
MORE TO FOLLOW…
US coach Mike Sullivan expresses his disapproval with officials during the Olympic opener
Brady Tkachuk is taken down in front of the Latvia net in what proved to be a physical game
Brock Nelson hugs Jack Hughes after scoring the tie-breaking goal against Latvia
