Samuel Hlavaj, toiling in Iowa for the Wild's AHL affiliate, just authored Slovakia's Olympic shocker by stuffing Finland's stars with 38 saves on 39 shots. His .884 save clip in the minors didn't scream debutante dominance, but the kid channeled inner legend to backstop a 4-1 upset over the gold medal defenders. Front offices take note: in Milan, AHL pipe dreams can steal the show from NHL pedigrees.
Charlie McAvoy pulls back the curtain on his Olympic adventure in Milano Cortina, dishing on rubbing shoulders with Coach Snoop Dogg and finally meeting ice dance power couple Madison Chock and Evan Bates. The Bruins blue-liner chronicles the behind-the-scenes grind as Team USA gears up for a heated clash with Latvia, blending NHL grit with Olympic pageantry.
The biggest names in the NHL finally lace up for their countries at the Milano Cortina Games, with over 100 players leaving club duties behind. From MacKinnon and McDavid anchoring Canada to Eichel and Matthews leading the U.S., every roster packs superstar firepower that casual fans dream about. Teams like the Avs and Lightning dominate the rep list, but injuries have already shuffled the deck before puck drop.
Plenty of NHL stars endure half their careers without this moment, and now the 2026 Games deliver for grizzled vets who've chased it forever. These guys remember the lockout voids and Sochi glory, making every shift in Italy feel like payback. Their experience clashes with young guns hungry for upsets, raising the stakes on who thrives under the brightest lights.
NHL players hit the Olympic ice mandating neck guards for the first time, forcing quick adjustments in a tournament already loaded with stars. Guys used to playing without now strap up amid safety pushes from recent tragedies, testing their gear in high-stakes prelims. How these tweaks affect mobility and mindset could swing early games as the best battle for positioning.
Sidney Crosby tempers Canada's hype by warning that veteran savvy and prime-age talent guarantee nothing in Milano. The Penguins captain knows Olympics chew up even the mightiest, drawing from his own gold-medal scars. With McDavid and MacKinnon flanking him, Team Canada still looms large, but Sid's realism spotlights the underdogs circling.
Flashback to Ryan Miller's wall-like dominance that carried the U.S. to silver in Vancouver, a nugget every NHL netminder studies. The Sabres goalie stonewalled Canada in the gold game, etching his name in Olympic lore amid NHL's last full send-in. As 2026 unfolds, his blueprint reminds today's puck-stoppers what peak performance demands.
NHL players storm the Winter Games for the first time since Sochi, ending a 12-year freezeout from lockouts and pandemics. Over 100 stars from all 32 teams converge in Italy, blending club rivalries into national pride. The pause built insane anticipation, with every roster primed to settle old scores on the big stage.
NHL.com probes if the league's top talents finally draw crowds to Italy's Olympic hockey venues after years of absence. Stars like Pastrnak and Hughes bring global buzz, but host-nation dynamics and time zones challenge turnout. Success here could lock in future NHL-Olympic pacts with massive viewership upside.
Radek Faksa savors a homecoming with the Stars alongside his Olympic adventure, capping a banner year for the gritty forward. Reuniting in Dallas revives old chemistry while Italy beckons with national team dreams long deferred. These dual highs underscore how personal milestones fuel his push amid NHL's Olympic frenzy.
The New Jersey Devils just placed forward Marc McLaughlin on waivers with a clear plan to send him down to Utica if he clears. McLaughlin, who bounced between Boston and New Jersey last season after that midseason trade, signed a cheap two-way deal over the summer but couldn't crack the NHL roster amid stiff competition up front.
Slovakian forward Pospisil makes his Olympic debut count in a victory that kicks off his nation's tournament with momentum. NHL scouts note his seamless transition from club play to the international stage, where every shift carries extra weight. As group play heats up in Milan-Cortina, Pospisil's early impact raises eyebrows back in league circles.
Kaapo Kakko opens up about the profound meaning of donning Finland's jersey at the Olympics. The Rangers forward shares insights from locker rooms past, where national pride fuels performances that echo in NHL rinks. With Finland facing early tests, Kakko's perspective underscores the stakes for NHLers chasing international glory.
NHL players lace up for Olympic hockey in Milan-Cortina, marking their official return to the Winter Games after a 12-year hiatus. The league's two-week freeze pauses the NHL schedule, but eyes stay glued to these stars battling for national pride. Teams monitor every shift, knowing post-Olympic form could swing trade deadline decisions.
New York Rangers linemates Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller find themselves at the center of a peculiar Team USA situation in Milan-Cortina. Whispers from the selection room reveal the tough calls coaches face with overlapping skill sets and roles. As USA gears up for medal contention, this Rangers duo's dynamic adds intrigue to the roster puzzle.
Teuvo Teravainen and Finland suffer a shocking upset loss to Slovakia in their Olympic opener. The Hurricanes forward battles through a gritty effort, but Slovakia's speed exposes early vulnerabilities. With group stage pressure mounting, Finland recalibrates while NHL GMs jot notes on international matchups.
Several Los Angeles Kings join the Olympic hockey fray in Milan-Cortina, representing their nations on the big stage. LA's contingent brings playoff-tested grit to pools stacked with NHL talent. As the Kings hold steady in the standings, these players' experiences abroad could sharpen their edge for the stretch run.
Minnesota Wild standouts anchor hopes for both Team USA and Sweden in the Milan-Cortina hockey tournament. These players carry dual expectations, blending club chemistry with national duty. Their performances shape not just medal chances but also Wild roster strategies post-freeze.
A deep dive into Sam Bennett's linemate dynamics kicks off with Part 1 of this NHL.com feature. The Flames power forward's chemistry with select partners reveals the locker room secrets behind his production spikes. As teams eye deadline moves, Bennett's line fit offers lessons for contenders building chemistry.
Bruins stud Charlie McAvoy spills the beans in his Olympic diary on rubbing shoulders with Coach Snoop, chatting up skating stars Chock and Bates, and grinding prep for Latvia. This insider peek captures the wild mix of celebrity vibes and tactical grind in Team USA's camp. As NHL talent floods Milan, McAvoy's notes hint at the chemistry brewing for a deep run.
A former Toronto Maple Leaf grabs a spot in Sweden's lineup ahead of a legit NHL All-Star, and the hockey world's splitting into camps over it. You know how these international roster battles go - scouts whispering about form, chemistry, and that old Leaf baggage creeping in. This snub has GMs and agents buzzing about what it means for Olympic prep and trade chatter as the deadline looms.
Anaheim's contingent storms into Milano Cortina with four reps, including captain Radko Gudas wearing the "A" for Czechia and goalie Lukas Dostal guarding the pipe for the same squad. Mikael Granlund steps up as Finland's captain after Barkov's brutal injury, while Jackson LaCombe brings American grit to the blue line and Damian Clara eyes history as Italy's top-drafted netminder ever.
The Oilers and Maple Leafs keep circling each other in trade talks, with names like Nicolas Roy and Oliver Ekman-Larsson popping up after initial chatter about Bobby McMann fizzled. Edmonton's front office eyes Toronto's pieces to bolster their Cup push, while the Leafs weigh selling amid their shaky playoff standing. Jordan Binnington emerges as a Team Canada crease contender, and GMs whisper about extensions dropping during the Olympic freeze that could ripple into deadline chaos.
The men's Olympic hockey tournament kicks off in Milano Cortina with a packed slate that pits NHL stars against international depth in groups loaded for chaos. Fans tracking powerhouses like Canada and underdogs like Switzerland need the full rundown to catch every key matchup and upset potential. As results roll in from these high-stakes clashes, the path to gold sharpens quickly with implications for national pride and future rivalries.
Switzerland enters the 2026 Olympic men's hockey fray with NHL leaders like Nico Hischier, Roman Josi, and Timo Meier carrying a squad that's mastered the art of quiet dominance on bigger stages. Often overlooked amid the Canada-Sweden-Finland hype, the Swiss blend elite talent with tactical discipline that has frustrated favorites before. Their group placement sets up intriguing tests where they could steal points and momentum, proving why no one sleeps on this group anymore.
Power rankings slot Canada at the top of the 2026 Olympic men's field, boasting a roster stacked with MacKinnon, Celebrini, and other NHL firepower that screams dynasty on ice. While Sweden and Finland pack star power, the Maple Leafs hold the edge in depth and recent form from events like the 4 Nations. Early games will reveal if this paper favorite translates talent into hardware or stumbles against hungry challengers.
Prospects like Daniil Helenius, Lassi Firkus, and Mathis Nadeau grab the spotlight at the AHL All-Star Skills Competition, reminding every NHL scout in the building why these kids dominate minor-league tape. Helenius wires shots past defenders like he's auditioning for a top-six role, while Firkus dazzles with hands that scream future Calder contender. GMs already whisper about call-ups post-Olympics, as these performances shift draft boards and farm system rankings overnight.
The men's hockey tournament at the Milan Cortina Olympics kicks off today with NHL players back on the big stage for the first time since Sochi. Front offices cleared the decks, and now superstars like McDavid and MacKinnon lace up for national pride under the Italian lights. Slovakia faces Finland and Sweden takes on host Italy in the opening Group B clashes, setting the tone for a bracket stacked with talent.
With over 100 NHLers set to invade the 2026 Olympics in Milano Cortina, a couple of powerhouse franchises stand out by flooding the rosters with their stars, turning national teams into unofficial farm clubs. These squads have stockpiled elite talent through savvy drafts and deadline deals that casual fans might overlook, but front-office whispers confirm the blueprint works.
The league's top stars are lacing up for Milano Cortina, pausing the NHL schedule for the first time since Sochi, and insiders are split on whether this global showcase juices the brand or just hands the IOC a free ratings bonanza. Front offices remember the lost games and injury risks from past Olympics, but players like Jack Hughes call it a dream come true after years of best-on-best voids filled by the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Franjo von Allmen keeps stacking hardware with his third Olympic gold, proving he's the non-NHL beast dominating the early going in Milano Cortina. Chloe Kim charges back into contention while those NHL studs - you know, the ones who've been lighting up league scoresheets all season - finally shake off the jet lag and start turning heads on the big stage. Front offices back home watch every shift, knowing these reps could shift trade values and contract talks when the league resumes.
Juraj Slafkovsky, the Habs' budding sniper who's been turning heads in Montreal all season, wastes no time etching his name into Olympic history as the NHL's best-on-best era roars back to life after a 12-year hiatus. Sources in Milano whisper that the Slovak standout buried the tournament's opening tally against Finland, channeling that raw power we've seen shredding AHL defenses on his path up.
The Avalanche sit atop the NHL standings as the Olympic break looms, and insiders in Denver are buzzing about what makes this squad unstoppable right now. They've dominated the Central Division with a record that leaves pretenders like the Wild and Stars in the dust, thanks to a perfect storm of elite talent and depth that casual fans overlook.
Shane Wright's name lights up every front office phone in the league as the Kraken shop their 2022 top-four pick for a top-six scorer to fuel their playoff push. Whispers from the locker room suggest the young center craves a fresh start, with trust issues under coach Lane Lambert fueling the fire after a frustrating season of limited ice time.
Avery Hayes straps on the mic, and you know that means unfiltered gold from the ice. This kid's got that Hayes family edge - think Sean with a modern twist - and NHL.com captures every chirp and crunch. Front offices whisper about his upside, but hearing him live reveals why scouts circle when he shifts. The league's always hunting the next agitator who plays bigger than his contract.
Columbus locks in a 4 p.m. ET start for their rescheduled clash with the Kings at Nationwide Arena on March 9, makeup from that brutal January snowstorm that dumped over 11 inches on the city. The Blue Jackets ride back from the Olympic pause with the league's longest active winning streak at seven under new bench boss Rick Bowness, while LA looks to exploit any post-break rust. This afternoon tilt could jolt the playoff race in a crowded Pacific and Metro.
Boston's third-round draft pick from last summer lights up the USHL with numbers that have scouts whispering about an early pro jump. The kid's blending skill and grit in ways that echo the Bruins' pipeline successes of old, turning heads from Wilkes-Barre to Causeway Street. As the Olympics wrap, expect Sweeney to weigh accelerating his timeline amid a blue-line crunch.
Montreal signals no sacred cows when it comes to Patrik Laine, with GM Kent Hughes eyeing every avenue from trades to tweaks as the deadline looms. The sniper's tenure in Montreal hits a crossroads after fits and starts, and front offices league-wide buzz about potential landing spots. Whatever path they choose, it reshapes the Habs' cap crunch and playoff push in the brutal Atlantic.
The league issues a heartbroken statement on the horrific Tumbler Ridge shooting that claimed nine lives, a gut punch to the hockey community in hockey-mad British Columbia. Whispers from the commissioner's office highlight ties to junior programs and local rinks that feed the NHL pipeline. As players return from Olympics, this senseless loss casts a shadow over arenas from Vancouver to the prairies.
Tre Kronor crafts a goalie gamble pairing young phenom Jesper Wallstedt with veteran Jacob Markstrom for the Olympics, blending NHL experience with raw upside. Coaches debate tandem rotations that could upend medal contenders, drawing from tactics that won gold in past Games. This strategy tests Sweden's depth against powerhouse attacks loaded with familiar NHL foes.
A Vancouver forward emerges as prime trade bait, and insiders peg him as the ideal puzzle piece for Ed Holland's Oilers as they hunt Cup contention. The Canucks' cap squeeze meets Edmonton's need for secondary scoring, sparking quiet calls between Rogers Arena and Rexall Place. Deadline maneuvers like this could flip the Pacific standings before playoffs.
Sweden's coach Sam Hallam keeps the net a mystery heading into today's Olympic opener against Italy, with Minnesota Wild duo Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt pushing hard alongside New Jersey's struggling veteran Jacob Markstrom. Wallstedt's rookie flash for the Wild earned him this shot, while Markstrom brings a resume thick with international reps despite his Devils woes.
Detroit spots a no-brainer trade target dangling in plain sight, one that plugs their glaring holes up front and on the back end. Steve Yzerman's war room hums with options as the playoff push intensifies post-Olympics. Landing this piece catapults the Wings from fringe contenders to Atlantic threats overnight.
Bruins stars Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman arrive in Milan with eyes locked on Olympic gold, joining forces with fellow NHL studs like Jake Oettinger and Zach Werenski on Team USA. These Boston battle-tested leaders skipped the usual flight path to make the Opening Ceremony at San Siro, soaking in the electric atmosphere of 79,000 roaring fans and those massive Olympic rings.
With the Milano Cortina Games heating up, the top men's hockey contenders emerge from a field stacked with NHL stars and international firepower. Power rankings spotlight the teams blending elite talent, coaching savvy, and that intangible Olympic edge we've seen decide gold medals before. Front offices and scouts alike pore over these lists, knowing which nations pack the deepest blue lines and goaltending that can steal a tournament.
The Buffalo Sabres stare down a high-stakes contract standoff with Alex Tuch, their pending UFA winger who's digging in for over $10 million a season while the team eyes a playoff push after 14 barren years. New GM Jarmo Kekalainen keeps lines open amid the Olympic break, but insiders whisper Buffalo treats Tuch like an own rental - ride him to the postseason, then brace for free agency chaos.
Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck steps into the Olympic spotlight, where his Vezina pedigree faces its ultimate proving ground amid medal madness. The elite goaltender carries Canada's hopes, blending Jets shutdown form with international pressure that separates contenders from immortals. This moment tests whether Hellebuyck cements his status among the all-time greats on hockey's grandest canvas.
The NHL issues a somber statement on the heartbreaking violence that struck Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a tight-knit hockey town now reeling from unimaginable loss. League brass expresses deep compassion for the families, the injured, and the entire community as they grapple with this dark chapter. In places like this, where rinks are the heartbeat of small-town life, the hockey world rallies quietly but fiercely, underscoring how tragedy transcends the game.
NHL players lace up for the 2026 Winter Olympics today, marking the league's first Olympic break since 2014 and flooding Milan with top talent from all 32 teams. The U.S. men's squad boasts serious strength between the pipes, with guys like Jake Oettinger bringing that NHL pedigree to a gold-medal chase against loaded groups featuring Canada, Finland, and Sweden.
These five NHL studs head to Milano Cortina carrying the weight of past disappointments, knowing a deep run could redefine their legacies. From locker room whispers to front-office chats, everyone knows this tournament offers a shot at washing away the choker label that's haunted them through international play. With the 2030 Games looming and no guarantees of another invite, they face make-or-break pressure to step up against the world's best.