MILAN, Italy – In a tightly contested match at the Milano Rho Arena on Friday, February 15, Denmark edged out Latvia 3-2 in preliminary round play at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The victory, fueled by a standout performance from Nick Olesen, gives Denmark a crucial boost as they navigate Group C, while Latvia faces a challenging path forward. The game was particularly notable as it marked a potential return to the net for Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, though he ultimately served as backup for Arturs Silovs.
Olesen’s two goals proved to be the difference for Denmark, earning him recognition as the key player in the win, according to CBS Sports. Denmark entered the game with a 0-0-2 record, seeking their first win of the tournament. Latvia, coming off a stunning 4-3 upset of Germany, looked to continue their momentum but ultimately fell short against a determined Danish squad.
Merzlikins’ Role and Latvia’s Olympic Campaign
The lead-up to the Denmark game centered around the potential for Merzlikins to reclaim the starting goaltender position for Latvia. After allowing four goals on 32 shots in a 5-1 loss to the United States on February 12, Merzlikins was relegated to backup duty for Latvia’s victory over Germany. Latvian head coach Harijs Vitolins indicated on February 13 that Merzlikins was in line to start against Denmark, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch. However, Silovs remained in net for the game against Denmark.
Merzlikins brings significant international experience to the Latvian team, having participated in six World Championships, an Olympic qualifying tournament, and three World Junior Championships prior to the 2026 Winter Olympics. His presence provides a veteran presence and a reliable option in net for Latvia as they compete in the challenging Olympic tournament.
Game Details and Key Moments
The game remained closely contested throughout, with Denmark taking a lead and Latvia battling back. Denmark’s Olesen scored twice, proving to be a pivotal force in securing the win. While Latvia demonstrated resilience, they were unable to overcome Denmark’s offensive pressure. The final score of 3-2 reflects the competitive nature of the match. LSM.lv provides a link to watch the game again for those who missed the action.
What So for Latvia and Denmark
For Denmark, the victory is a significant step forward in their Olympic campaign. It provides them with valuable momentum and a much-needed win in Group C. They will appear to build on this success in their remaining games. Latvia, despite the loss, remains in contention, but will need to regroup and secure wins in their upcoming matches to advance in the tournament. Their next game will be critical as they aim to stay competitive in the Olympic field.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics continue to deliver thrilling hockey action, and the Denmark-Latvia matchup was a prime example of the intensity and competitiveness on display. Fans can follow the remaining games and results on the official IIHF website and through broadcasts on CNBC and Peacock, as detailed by The Columbus Dispatch.
The Olympic hockey tournament is far from over, and both Denmark and Latvia will undoubtedly continue to fight for a spot in the medal rounds. The coming days will reveal whether Denmark can maintain their momentum and if Latvia can recover from this setback.
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