The game also raised hopes that new coach Bob Hartley has managed to instill new skills and confidence in the national team.
The team started modestly in an uneventful first period but turned up the heat in the second period and grew in confidence as the game progressed.
Two goals cam from the stick of a rejuvenated Miks Indrašis, with Gints Meija contributing the third.
Latvian forward Miks Indrasis had two goals against Denmark, including this one in a 3-0 win. #LATvsDEN #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/s0inQEzJBw
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 6, 2017
Just as importantly, Elvis Merzļikins showed top form in goal, repelling 27 shots and earning the best player of the match nomination.
Elvis Merzlikins earns the shutout as Latvia tops Denmark 3-0 in Cologne.#LATvsDEN #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/3DT7lKuskV
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 6, 2017
There is little time for complacency however with the next game against former champions Slovakia on the evening of May 7.
Then over the next week the group stages of the tournament continue with games against Italy (9 May), Sweden (May 11) and the US (13 May), Russia (May 15) and hosts Germany (May 16).
