Columbus Blue Jackets teammates Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins aren't playing expected roles at 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Team USA's quest for its first Olympic men's hockey gold since 1980 began against Latvia at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, with the B/R staff on hand to deliver live analysis and reaction.

It’s been a long time coming for Latvia. They stunned Germany, 4-3, in men’s hockey on Saturday, marking their first win in the competition at a Winter Olympics since 2014, when they beat Switzerland. Saturday was Latvia’s second game of these Olympics, after losing, 5-1, to Team USA in the opener Thursday.

Pittsburgh Penguins' goaltender Artūrs Šilovs posted a 26-save effort to help Latvia beat Leon Draisaitl and Team Germany in an Olympic preliminary round matchup

The 2026 Winter Olympics, featuring 16 sports with 116 medal events, will take place from Feb. 4 to Feb. 22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Preliminary events will begin on Feb. 4, the opening ceremony will be Feb.

SportsLine's expert Mike Severance reveals his USA vs. Latvia picks for their Winter Olympics men's hockey matchup on Thursday

Dans Locmelis scored twice, including the first of three straight goals for Team Latvia in a 4-3 win against Team Germany at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 at Rho Arena in Milan on Saturday.

Qualifying round and quarterfinal seeding is set after the preliminary round's final day. See matchups, results from Sunday's Olympic men's hockey.

Denmark and Latvia face off in this Group A men's ice hockey matchup during the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday.