Russia drops a mock roster for the 2026 Olympics that packs Ovechkin, Kucherov, Kaprizov and Panarin on the wings for what could be the Great 8's last international run at age 40. Goalie choices torment the selectors with three Vezina winners in Bobrovsky, Shesterkin and Vasilevskiy plus Sorokin's hot streak anchoring the Isles' playoff push. But Russia's ban leaves these NHL stars on the sidelines, turning gold-medal dreams into painful hypotheticals that sting front offices from D.C. to Tampa.

Russia's ongoing Olympic ban over Ukraine sanctions slams the door on some of the NHL's premier talents, like Kucherov, Panarin, Ovechkin, and Kaprizov, from suiting up in Milan Cortina. These guys form a dream lineup that could dominate the ice with elite scoring punch and the league's top goaltending depth from Sorokin, Vasilevskiy, Shesterkin, and Bobrovsky.

Sergei Bobrovsky notches two career milestones in Florida's gritty victory over Minnesota. The veteran goalie anchors a Panthers squad reloading for another Cup chase after last spring's heartbreak. His timeliness bolsters trade deadline positioning.