Auston Matthews and Team USA opened with a big win, and it felt like a message

In the first game for the United States at the men's Olympics Ice Hockey tournament, the United States found their offensive groove in a 5-1 win against Latvia.

Brady Tkachuk took a pace from brother Matthew to open the scoring America's way before Renars Krastenbergs tied the game at 1-1.

Two USA goals were called back following successful challenges from the Latvian bench, one for offside and another for goaltender interference.

The Americans put up three goals in the second period, two coming from Brock Nelson, a forward who's place in the lineup came under scrutiny over a perceived lack of offense in the team's depth. The other goal of the period came on the power play from Tage Thompson.

Leafs and Team USA Captain Auston Matthews added a goal early in the third period on the power play off an assist from Jack Eichel.

American starting netminder Connor Hellebuyck made 17 saves on 18 shots faced. Latvian starter Elvis Merzlikins was replaced by Arturs Silovs to begin the third period.

Auston Matthews goal was one the 28-year-old was lucky to have. Matthews left the game in the first period after a hit momentarily.

Matthews was visibly in pain on the bench, having been checked out by trainers before being able to resume play later on in the period.

The Leafs captain showed strong assertiveness and intensity with a team-leading four shots for the Americans against Latvia.

Goals have been a challenge for Matthews to come by in Toronto, having just 26 goals and 48 points in 51 games played this season, only two seasons removed from a Rocket Richard winning 69 goals.

Team USA takes on Italy tomorrow at 3:10 p.m. EST. Latvia's next game is Saturday vs Germany at 6:10a.m.

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