While Latvia was able to hang with the U.S. men's hockey team through the first period, after that it was USA all the way.
Team USA opened Olympic play with a commanding 5-1 group stage win over Latvia.
"We wanted to come out and give a great effort. There are no weak teams in the competition, and everyone will give you their best. They played hard," U.S. captain Auston Matthews said after the game.
Matthews chipped in the final goal of the game to begin the victory lap for the U.S.
But the real masterclass was put on by the Colorado Avalanche's Brock Nelson. He led the Americans with two goals and showed he has Olympic blood running through his veins, no, literally.
Nelson isn't just from a hockey family, he stems from an Olympic bloodline that traces all the way back to his great uncle, Gordon Christian, who earned silver with team USA at 70 years ago at the Games in Cortina. Next, his grandfather, Billy Christian, and great uncle, Roger Christian, were teammates on the 1960 gold medal winning squad in Squaw Valley. Finally, Nelson's uncle, Dave Christian, was on the "Miracle on Ice" team that won gold in 1980 — now his nephew is part of the Stars and Stripes squad looking to bring home the Olympic title once again.
"I felt all the emotions coming out there, super special, lots of family here too, just trying to soak it all in," Nelson said after the 2nd period.
Playmaker Jack Eichel contributed two assists in the win and praised Nelson's performance.
"He moves so well. He does all the little things really well, and he's got a great finishing touch. All of us as players really appreciate his game, and it was great to see him get a few huge goals for us," Eichel said after the game.
Brady Tkachuk and Tage Thompson chipped in the other two goals in the rout of Latvia in the opening group stage game in Milan.
Next, up the U.S. faces Denmark on Feb. 14. at 3:10 pm ET, watch live on NBCOlympics.com and Peacock.