Opening game controversy: USA denied by two key decisions vs Latvian

Controversy in USA’s Olympic opener as two goals ruled out

Team USA’s 2026 Olympic debut got off to a flying start — but it quickly turned into a night of frustration after two goals were wiped out by the officials.

J.T. Miller was involved in another goal that ended up not counting for Team USA.

This was labeled “goaltender interference.” #NYR pic.twitter.com/vxxusRXDXZ

— Snark Messier (@SnarkMessier) February 12, 2026

The Americans came out buzzing against a resilient Latvian side, striking first through a brilliant piece of Tkachuk family chemistry. Brady Tkachuk buried a clinical finish after being set up by his brother Matthew, giving USA the early momentum they deserved.

It looked like that momentum had doubled when Quinn Hughes rifled home what appeared to be a 2-0 goal. However, Latvia successfully challenged for offside. Replays showed Brock Nelson had entered the zone just inches ahead of the puck, and the goal was overturned.

Instead of chasing the game, Latvia were handed a lifeline — and they took it. Riding the energy of the successful challenge, they pushed up ice and found an equaliser soon after.

USA thought they had reclaimed the lead later in the game, but controversy struck again. The play was reviewed for goaltender interference, with officials determining that JT Miller had impeded Latvian netminder Elvis Merzlikins. After a lengthy review, the goal was disallowed.

Chaos in front of the net results in Latvia’s first goal of the Olympics! 🇱🇻 pic.twitter.com/xJI6ZxtYCu

— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) February 12, 2026

The decision sparked debate. Some will argue that any contact preventing a goalie from establishing position must be penalised. Others will feel Miller did not meaningfully prevent Merzlikins from making the save.

Either way, two overturned goals dramatically shifted the tone of the contest. What began as a dominant American performance quickly became a tense, momentum-swinging battle.