The Athletic Hockey Show – “USA Steamrolls Latvia in Olympic Opener”
Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Jesse Granger
Guests: Dom Luchin, David Backus (two-time U.S. Olympian, 2010 silver medalist)
Main Theme & Episode Overview
The episode is dedicated to post-game reactions following Day 2 of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament in Milan, focusing on Team USA’s 5-1 victory over Latvia in their Olympic opener. Host Jesse Granger is joined by The Athletic’s Dom Luchin and special guest David Backus. The discussion blends tactical breakdowns, standout performances, line chemistry, and a look at broader Olympic hockey storylines, including a check-in on Team Canada and notable European teams.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Day 2 Olympic Recap & Initial Impressions
- Game Results Summary:
- Switzerland shut out France 4-0
- Canada blanked Czechia 5-0
- USA defeated Latvia 5-1 (after a rough start)
- Germany overcame Denmark
- Expected Outcomes: Games mostly went as expected, but experts note that the final scores don’t capture the quality and excitement found on the ice.
- Early Worries for USA:
- The U.S. appeared sluggish before a pivotal momentum-swinging hit by Brady Tkachuk changed the game's energy.
- “Brady Tkachuk laid that hit and I think the entire game changed after that. ... Immediately after, they looked like the Harlem Globetrotters.” — Dom Luchin (03:22)
2. Team USA Game Analysis
- Overcoming Adversity:
- Two early U.S. goals were overturned due to offside and goalie interference, unnerving the team but ultimately not derailing their confidence.
- “You wonder what’s cooking when two goals get called back. ... But they were resilient.” — David Backus (04:52)
- Performance of Key Players:
- Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski received high praise for leading from the blue line and driving offense.
- Auston Matthews, despite scoring the fifth goal, was highlighted as a crucial piece for U.S. gold medal hopes.
- “He needs to be a big-time producer for the US to have success ... I hope that’s the mentality he gets as this tournament goes on.” — David Backus (05:23)
- Physical Advantage & Mental Shift:
- Physicality and willingness to play in “hard areas” will be essential as tournament competition intensifies.
- “There's certainly a couple guys ... not scared of confrontation ... but the skills gotta get into those hard areas in order to score." — David Backus (06:32)
- Statistical Shifts:
- After Tkachuk’s hit, USA shifted from being outshot in high-danger areas to dominating slot chances (“finished the game like 30 to 8”).
3. Lineup Talk & Chemistry
- Unexpected Line Standouts:
- The unorthodox “fourth line” of J.T. Miller, Brock Nelson, and Jack Hughes stood out as the day's best:
- “That line was just absolutely dominant today.” — Jesse Granger (09:31)
- Brock Nelson shined with two goals (plus one disallowed).
- The unorthodox “fourth line” of J.T. Miller, Brock Nelson, and Jack Hughes stood out as the day's best:
- Lineup Stability vs. Experimentation:
- Discussion on whether to break up successful lines or rotate depth players for experience in early group games.
- “If someone gets hurt or ... gold medal game and somebody can’t go ... everyone’s got a taste.” — David Backus (11:09)
4. Adjusting to Smaller Roles and International Play
- Shifting Roles for NHL Stars:
- U.S. Olympians, used to major NHL minutes, must adapt to being fourth liners and limited ice time.
- Finding impact in fewer shifts—a challenge, but experience and “playing for the crest” helps maintain intensity.
- “That’s a tough thing to just have your motor going at all times other than the stage where you’re so excited...” — David Backus (12:56)
- Chemistry and the “Brother Effect”:
- Family and familiarity are making a difference early, especially for the Kachuks.
5. Off-Ice Factors: Dorm Life vs. Hotel
- Team USA Embracing Olympic Village
- U.S. is soaking up the Olympic experience, mixing with other athletes, contrasting with Team Canada’s preference for hotels.
- “I love that they’re embracing that Olympic spirit and they’re just totally living in the moment and enjoying themselves.” — David Backus (16:15)
- Olympic Atmosphere Stories:
- Backus shares experiences from Vancouver (more freedom to enjoy the city) and Sochi (restricted movement, tense atmosphere).
- “I wouldn’t have changed staying in the village ... it’s such an awesome experience that’s just not replicated anywhere.” — David Backus (19:16)
6. Other Noteworthy Teams & Games
- Germany as a Sleeper:
- While Denmark often held more possession, Germany capitalized on superstar talent (Draisaitl, Stützle).
- “Germany has a path ... They can make some noise.” — Dom Luchin (26:18)
- Grubauer’s resurgence is a key storyline: “He looks so much more patient ... he made the saves easy.” — Jesse Granger (27:32)
- Canada’s Superstar Depth:
- Power play highlighted: “They had a power play goal where Cale Makar passed it to Connor McDavid, who then passed it to Sidney Crosby, who then passed it to Nathan McKinnon who scored.” — Jesse Granger (29:22)
- Sam Reinhart, top power play scorer in the NHL, was the “fifth Beatle” who didn’t even touch the puck.
- Dom: “I wonder what’s going through Reinhart’s head … he probably was just like, that was sick. Great to be a part of it.” (29:51)
- Concerns for Czechia and Finland:
- Czechia’s depth is worrisome; Finland’s underperformance and odd roster management stand out.
- Goaltending Notes:
- Jordan Binnington’s shutout for Canada is promising but “yellow flags” remain due to rebound control issues.
7. Shooutout Segment – Quick Hit Questions
- Canada’s Blue Line without Morrissey:
- Harley’s emergence as a positive; depth can mitigate injury.
- Biggest Adjustments After First Round:
- Finland’s struggles and questionable lineup choices—“I am worried about Finland.” — Dom Luchin (39:27)
- Women’s USA-Canada Rivalry:
- Early evidence shows a talent gap emerging in favor of USA, especially youth speed and generational talent.
- “That is the big story ... USA’s golden generation coming together with Murphy and Harvey and Canada just does not have anyone ... playing anywhere close to that level.” — Dom Luchin (41:33)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Brady Tkachuk laid that hit and I think the entire game changed after that.” — Dom Luchin (03:22)
- “You hear a lot about momentum shifts from a big hit and I don’t think I’ve ever seen it at that level.” — Dom Luchin (03:22)
- “He’s a big horse. He’s a captain ... I think, underrated how big he is as a human and how forceful he could be if he just gets determined and says, nobody’s stopping me.” — David Backus on Auston Matthews (05:23)
- “I love that they’re embracing that Olympic spirit and they're just totally living in the moment and enjoying themselves.” — David Backus (16:15)
- “That fourth line was so good... I think you got to get to — you probably have... combinations... but for now, it was a good start.” — David Backus (11:09)
- On Canada’s power play:
- “They had a power play goal where Cale Makar passed it to Connor McDavid, who then passed it to Sidney Crosby, who then passed it to Nathan McKinnon who scored, and the other guy on the ice ... was Sam Reinhart...” — Jesse Granger (29:22)
- “Germany has a path and they have those two superstars ... If Grubauer is good, that team’s dangerous.” — Dom Luchin and Jesse Granger (27:32)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 1:43 — Show intro; Olympic Day 2 overview
- 3:22 — Tkachuk’s game-changing hit and USA’s turnaround
- 4:07–6:32 — Backus on adversity, blue line, and U.S. key players
- 7:47 — U.S. slot shots and change in momentum after the hit
- 9:31–11:09 — Standout “fourth line” discussion
- 12:29–14:23 — Adapting to reduced roles, Olympic chemistry
- 16:15 — Living in the Olympic Village vs. hotels (Canada vs. USA)
- 26:10–27:32 — Germany’s game vs. Denmark, Draisaitl, and Grubauer
- 29:22–30:51 — Canada’s power play and handling of Czechia
- 32:03–33:35 — Binnington, goaltending deep dive
- 38:24–40:27 — Rapid fire “shootout” questions
- 41:03–42:41 — Women’s USA-Canada rivalry & talent gap
- 43:30 — Closing remarks and next show preview
Tone & Style
The show balances technical analysis, player praise, honest critique, and light banter. Guest insights add depth—particularly Backus’s first-hand Olympic stories—while expert discussions trace tactical trends, psychological factors, and long-term team outlooks. There’s a sense of both excitement and realism about each team’s medal hopes.
Conclusion
This episode delivers a comprehensive, insightful rundown of the first games of the Olympic men’s hockey tournament, spotlighting Team USA’s comeback and emerging lines, Canada’s star power, tactical tweaks, and key storylines across Europe. Whether dissecting power plays, line chemistry, or off-ice Olympic experiences, the hosts and guest offer expertise, inside stories, and forward-looking analysis for die-hard hockey fans and Olympic newcomers alike.