Grand Rapids Griffins forward Eduards Tralmaks debuted on the Latvian Olympic team’s top line in their 5-1 loss to Team USA in their Thursday matchup. Latvia managed to keep things close for the first period of play, with the game tied 1-1 after 20. The U.S. National Team would hammer Latvia with four unanswered goals over the next 40 minutes though, including two by Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson.

 

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Time on Ice

While Tralmaks was announced as one of Latvia’s top line forwards before the game, he would end the contest with only 11:45 of ice time. Latvia changed out both of their top line wings during their game, with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Zemgus Girgenson being the only member of that top line to finish with 17+ minutes of time on ice.

Production

Tralmaks did not record a point in the contest, though he was on ice for Latvia’s sole goal in the first period by Renars Krastenberg. However, the 28-year old forward was also one of only five members of the team to not post a minus rating, with a net zero for the contest.

Game Note

Tralmaks and Team Latvia were able to escape the first period tied with Team USA thanks in part due to two overturned goals from Latvia’s coach’s challenges. Nelson, who scored one of the overturned goals, would score two of the next four for Team USA as Latvia was shut out and Elvis Merzlikins was eventually pulled from the net. Tralmaks also played against Red Wings top center Dylan Larkin.

Analysis

Latvia obviously realized after nearly finding themselves down 3-1 to the Americans exiting the first period that they needed to get more physical with their top lines. That meant bringing up a checking forward like Rudolf Balcers and moving Tralmaks down in the lineup, but Latvia could use Tralmaks’s ability as a setup man (18 assists for Grand Rapids this season) as they head into their next matchup.

Next Game

Tralmaks and Team Latvia face off against Mo Seider and Leon Draisatl on Team Germany Feb. 14 at 6:10 AM Eastern. Germany beat Denmark in their first game 3-1.