{"id":457118,"date":"2026-02-13T20:03:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T20:03:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/457118\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T20:03:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T20:03:22","slug":"brock-nelson-stars-in-opening-match-for-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/457118\/","title":{"rendered":"Brock Nelson Stars In Opening Match For USA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Brock Nelson was arguably the best player of the tournament through one game of group play. For USA, the Avalanche centerman scored two goals, but could\u2019ve had more. He was a key piece overall in Thursday\u2019s 5-1 victory over Latvia.<\/p>\n

The first period ended tied 1-1 despite the Americans dominating play. Latvia successfully challenged two goals that were called back for USA, and both involved Nelson. The 34-year-old had a goal and an assist called back.<\/p>\n

As the fourth-line center, Nelson eventually recorded his first goal that counted at 10:38 of the second period. It was the one that broke the tie, and it stood as the game-winning goal. Nelson\u2019s tally was assisted by his wingers, Jack Hughes and Vincent Trocheck.<\/p>\n

Later, Tage Thompson tallied a power-play goal to double the lead before Nelson scored with 12 seconds remaining in the middle frame to make it 4-1. Hughes was also the main set-up man with Matthew Tkachuk getting credit for the secondary assist.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s clear that Nelson\u2019s goal-scoring spree from the regular season has translated to international play. As the Avs\u2019 No. 2 center option, Nelson had 26 goals in 39 games heading into the break, which was tied with top center and leading NHL goal scorer Nathan MacKinnon in that time. The Avalanche duo trailed only behind Jason Robertson (29) and Connor McDavid (27).<\/p>\n

Nelson finished with two goals on three shots and was a +2 in 13:25 of ice time.<\/p>\n


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