Werenski, Merzlikins Debut in USA's Olympic Rout of Latvia
Columbus duo Zach Werenski and Elvis Merzlikins suit up for their first Olympic games as Team USA pounds Latvia in the tournament kickoff. Werenski logs big minutes on the blue line while Merzlikins eyes net duties in this stars-and-stripes showcase. Blue Jackets fans hold breath watching their guys shine internationally amid NHL pause drama.
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Independent hockey newsletter previews the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics men's best-on-best tournament—the first with NHLers since 2014 Sochi—via a chat with Dallas sports analyst Bob Sturm, who hypes the 11-day thrill from Feb. 11-22, Team USA's Group C slate vs. Latvia (Feb. 12), Denmark (14), Germany (15), and argues Olympic gold rivals a Stanley Cup in prestige for players from USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland.]
by Sean Shapiro · Shap Shots · Read on Substack →