World Junior Championship roundup: Nelson’s 2 goals help U.S. defeat Latvia | NHL.com

United States 5, Latvia 1 — Danny Nelson (New York Islanders) scored two goals for the United States in preliminary-round play at Canadian Tire Centre.

James Hagens, a projected top-three pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, had two assists, and Hampton Slukynsky (Los Angeles Kings) made 25 saves for the United States (2-0-0-0), which moved into first place in Group A.

Linards Feldbergs made 36 saves for Latvia (0-1-0-1). The 19-year-old made 55 saves in a stunning 3-2 shootout win against Canada in preliminary-round action on Friday in what many consider the biggest upset in World Juniors history. It was Latvia’s third preliminary-round win in the tournament’s history.

Latvia has lost all seven of its WJC games against the United States dating to 2010, including four preliminary-round losses by a combined 28-5.

Nelson gave the United States a 1-0 lead on a snap shot from the slot at 1:58 of the first period.

Slukynsky made 12 saves in the second period. The 19-year-old goalie, who plays for Western Michigan University, made a left-pad save against Markuss Sieradzkis (2025 eligible) off a 2-on-0 breakout by Latvia off a turnover 1:00 into the second.

Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals) then made it 2-0 with a power-play goal from the left post at 5:08 of the second.

Slukynsky made a left pad save against Valdis Dommers (2025 eligible), who attempted a backhand in the slot, at 9:25.

Zeev Buium (Minnesota Wild) gave the U.S. a 3-0 lead at 11:13. He scored his first of the tournament on a snap shot from the right side of the net after Hagens fed him from the point.

Nelson made it 4-0 at 19:54 with a power-play goal on a backhand from the slot.

David Livsics (2025 eligible) pulled Latvia within 4-1 at 8:22 of the third period, scoring from the slot after the puck caromed off the end boards.

Max Plante (Detroit Red Wings) converted a 2-on-1 off a pass from Teddy Stiga (Nashville Predators) at 15:31 for the 5-1 final.

The United States, the defending World Juniors champion, will next play Finland on Sunday (2:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN4). Latvia plays Germany on Monday (3:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN).