Merzļikins to Anchor Latvia's Net in Olympic Opener Against USA
In a move that's generating buzz across the hockey world, Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzļikins is set to make his Olympic debut, starting for Latvia in their men's hockey opener against the United States at the 2026 Milan Winter Games. This high-profile matchup pits underdog Latvia against a U.S. squad loaded with NHL talent, and Merzļikins' recent form could be the key to keeping things competitive.
Merzļikins' Journey to the Olympics
Elvis Merzļikins, the 31-year-old Riga native, has been a cornerstone of Latvian hockey for over a decade. His international career kicked off in 2010 with the U-17 squad, and he's since become a reliable presence in net for his country. However, this Olympic appearance marks a milestone—his first time donning the Latvian jersey at the Games.
Merzļikins' World Championship resume speaks to his resilience. With a career record of 13-17 and a .907 save percentage, he's often shouldered the load in tournaments where Latvia faces steep odds. His standout performance came at the 2018 Worlds, where he went 4-2 with two shutouts, a stellar .940 save percentage, and just nine goals allowed in six games. That run helped push Latvia toward playoff contention, showcasing Merzļikins' ability to steal games against superior firepower.
In the NHL, Merzļikins has had an up-and-down tenure with the Blue Jackets since signing as a free agent in 2019. This season, though, he's found his groove, posting an 11-8-1 record with an .888 save percentage. Heading into the Olympics, he's won five of his last six starts, including a crisp 24-save shutout against the New Jersey Devils on February 3. That momentum could prove invaluable on the Olympic stage.
Why Merzļikins Over Šilovs?
The decision to start Merzļikins over fellow Latvian netminder Artūrs Šilovs raises eyebrows. Šilovs, currently with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has been lights-out this season at 11-7-8 and was the hero of Latvia's historic 2023 World Championship bronze—earning top goaltender and MVP honors with a 7-3 record. As the defending Calder Cup champion with the Hershey Bears, Šilovs has the pedigree.
Yet, Latvian coach Harijs Vītoliņš opted for the veteran Merzļikins in the opener, likely valuing his experience against top competition. Šilovs could see action in the round-robin games against Germany on Saturday or Denmark on Sunday, giving Latvia flexibility in their goaltending tandem.
The Latvia-USA Matchup: History and Expectations
Latvia enters the tournament as a Group B underdog, but they're no strangers to defying expectations. Their last victory over the USA came at the 2023 Worlds, a gritty upset that highlighted the Baltic nation's growing hockey prowess. Before that, you'd rewind to 2014, when Kristers Gudlevskis bested Tim Thomas in a memorable win.
At the Olympics, the teams have met just once before—in 2006, where the U.S. edged Latvia 3-2. Fast-forward to 2026, and the Americans boast Winnipeg Jets star Connor Hellebuyck in net for his own Olympic debut. Hellebuyck's Vezina Trophy-winning pedigree makes this a daunting task for Latvia's offense, but Merzļikins will need to be sharp to counter the U.S. attack led by players like Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel.
Latvia's strategy will likely revolve around disciplined defense and capitalizing on counterattacks. With forwards like Teddy Blueger and Roberts Bukarts bringing NHL experience, they have the pieces for a spoiler. Merzļikins' ability to read plays and handle high-volume shots—evident in his recent NHL stretch—could keep the game close.
Olympic Context and Broader Implications
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Games mark a return to full NHL participation in Olympics after absences in 2018 and 2022 due to scheduling conflicts. This means powerhouse teams like the USA are at full strength, ramping up the competition. For smaller nations like Latvia (ranked around 10th globally), events like this are about pride and progress.
Merzļikins' start isn't just personal—it's a nod to Latvia's evolving hockey identity. From their first World Championship medal in 2023 to this Olympic bid, the team has shown grit. A strong showing against the USA could boost morale for the rest of the tournament and inspire the next generation back home in Riga.
Beyond the ice, Merzļikins' story resonates off it. Balancing NHL demands with international duty, he's spoken about the honor of representing Latvia. In interviews, he's emphasized team unity: "We're small, but we play with heart." That ethos will be on display as the puck drops.
What to Watch For in the Opener
Expect a fast-paced game with the U.S. controlling possession early. Merzļikins' positioning and rebound control will be crucial—his .888 save percentage this season hides a knack for big saves in clutch moments. If Latvia can weather the storm and generate odd-man rushes, they might replicate past upsets.
Fans tuning into Daily Faceoff's Olympic coverage on YouTube will get live reactions and recaps, capturing every save and goal. With the Milan Games kicking off this week, this opener sets the tone for Latvia's campaign.
As the hockey world eyes Milan, Elvis Merzļikins stands tall as Latvia's last line of defense. Whether he channels his 2018 Worlds magic or builds on his recent shutout streak, one thing's clear: this debut could be unforgettable.
This article is part of Everythiiing.com's comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Stay tuned for live updates and analysis.
