The men's ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina has a unique feel as NHL players have returned after a 12-year absence from the Olympics. This year, the tournament format includes round-robin play within each group, with the three group winners and the best second-placed team advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Other teams will compete in qualifying knockout matches on February 17 to fill the remaining quarterfinal spots by February 18. The semifinals are set for February 20, followed by the bronze match on February 21, and the gold final on February 22.

The Latvian national team has assembled what is believed to be their strongest lineup, featuring six active NHL players. The team's performance against Denmark is crucial, as they aim to secure a favorable position in the group standings—essentially fighting for a second place that would offer a more advantageous path in the knockout rounds. The return of NHL players has raised expectations for the Latvian team, as they strive to make a notable impact in the tournament and advance past the group stages.

This match comes at a time when the excitement for the Winter Olympics is building, showcasing not just the stature of hockey in Latvia but also its competitive spirit on an international platform. Fans and analysts are closely watching how the team plays and if they can leverage their NHL talents effectively to achieve their Olympic goals, particularly against a formidable opponent like Denmark.