The NHL is back in the Winter Olympics for the first time in 12 years. For Minnesota Wild fans, there is no shortage of their stars competing for their respective countries. On Wednesday, goalie Filip Gustavsson helped Team Sweden pick up a 5-2 win over Italy, and Wild prospect goalie Samuel Hlavaj helped lead Slovakia to a 4-1 upset win over Finland. On Thursday, the Wild had Brock Faber, Matt Boldy, and Quinn Hughes making their Olympic debuts for Team USA as they took on Latvia. For the latter, they seemingly had their first huge moment in the Winter Games, but it was taken away from him.
Hughes seemingly gave Team USA a 2-0 lead early in the first period after receiving a pass from New York Rangers foward J.T. Miller in the slot. The thing is, Latvia challenged the goal for offsides. Sure enough, despite Miller blocking the view of the puck on the main angle, it was determined that Brock Nelson was offsides. Thus, USA's lead was cut back down to 1-0.
Quinn Hughes' first Olympic goal wiped out due to offsides penalty
It was a rough for Hughes, as he will have to wait a bit longer to officially secure his first Olympic goal. But this was not the only goal wiped out for Team USA in the first period.
Later on, it appeared that Nelson had gotten Team USA's second goal of the game on a deflected shot. The thing is, Latvia challenged for goaltender interference. On replay, Miller was on the border of the crease but made contact with Latvia goalie Elvis Merzlikins. The referees determined that there was goaltender interference and Nelson's goal was wiped out as well.
For fans wondering, teams don't have a set number of challenges per game. Instead, each team has unlimited challenges. But if a team's challenge is unsuccessful, they will receive a two-minute minor penalty. If their succeeding challenges are unsuccessful, they will then be upgraded to a four-minute double minor penalty.
Team USA looked to have a huge start to the 2026 Olympics given their ability to put the puck into the back of the net. Unfortunately for them, they saw two goals taken off the board by Latia's challenges.