Latvia vs USA Preview & Prediction | 2026 Winter Olympics | Men’s Ice Hockey | Preliminary Round

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USA get their Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey campaign underway against Latvia, whom they will start as firm favourites against.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports (some events will also be televised on the BBC / TNT Sports / Not Televised / USA – NBC, USA Network, CNBC & NBCSN

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ (some events can be streamed live on the BBC’s digital platforms / USA – Peacock & nbcolympics.com

Latvia vs USA prediction

As is the case with Canada, USA are looking for redemption following four years ago, when they too were eliminated in the quarter-finals. Auston Matthews captains a side which is probably most known for the presence of the Tkachuk brothers, with both Brady and Matthew being stars of the NHL for Ottawa Senators and reigning champions Florida Panthers respectively.

Latvia are led by skipper Kaspars Daugavins, whilst Tampa Bay Lightning’s Zemgus Girgensons should also draw attention. Expect the goaltender to be extremely busy across these three periods though as USA pile on the pressure with their incredible attacking firepower. The expectation is that the USA will come out on top fairly comfortably, even if not at their best.

Latvia vs USA tip: USA to win with -3.5 handicap