Olympics, Bruins, and a Busy Weekend in Hockey: What You Need to Know
The Olympic flame is lit, the ceremonies are in the books, and hockey is officially on the world stage. While the women’s tournament is already underway, the men’s side is gearing up for its Feb. 11 debut. And if you were watching the Opening Ceremony, you probably noticed a few familiar faces - the Bruins are well represented in Milan.
Bruins at the Olympics: Zacha Out, Pastrnak Leads the Way
The Czech national team took a hit Saturday morning when it was announced that Pavel Zacha would not be suiting up for the tournament. The Bruins forward, who was injured back on Jan. 29, stayed behind in Boston and didn’t travel with the team to Florida. He’ll be replaced by Filip Chlapik on the Czech roster.
Still, Czechia had a proud moment Friday night when David Pastrnak carried the national flag during the Opening Ceremony. Pastrnak, one of the most electric players in the NHL and a cornerstone of the Bruins’ attack, continues to be a face of Czech hockey on the world stage.
Meanwhile, Charlie McAvoy also made some waves on social media after the ceremony. The Bruins defenseman posted a slowed-down video of a flying elbow he took from Sandis Vilmanis earlier in the week, along with a selfie showing the aftermath. It’s a reminder that even during the Olympic break, the physicality of hockey doesn’t hit pause.
NHL agent Allan Walsh chimed in as well, voicing his frustration with the league’s Department of Player Safety. Let’s just say his thoughts were... unfiltered.
Bruins’ Goaltending Depth: Quietly Dominant
One of the more underrated storylines this season? The Bruins’ goaltending has been rock solid. With the team posting an 11-2-1 record in January, it’s clear the guys between the pipes are doing their job - and then some.
Michael DiPietro, holding it down in Providence, was named AHL Goaltender of the Month. That’s not just a nice feather in the cap - it’s a sign that the Bruins have depth beyond their NHL duo. In a league where goaltending can make or break a season, Boston’s depth chart is looking strong from top to bottom.
Prospects Heating Up in Providence and Beyond
The Providence Bruins stayed red-hot with a 3-1 win over the Hartford Wolf Pack last night, extending their winning streak to nine games. They’ll get another crack at Hartford tonight at 7:00 PM.
Elsewhere in the Bruins pipeline, several prospects made noise:
- James Hagens (Boston College): Found the back of the net against Vermont.
- Elliotte Groenewold (Quinnipiac): Picked up an assist vs.
Brown.
- Cooper Simpson (Youngstown, USHL): Tallied a goal and added a shootout goal against Lincoln.
- Cole Chandler (Shawinigan, QMJHL): Registered an assist vs. Rimouski.
Tonight’s schedule features a full slate of action across the NCAA and USHL, including matchups like:
- Miami Ohio vs. Western Michigan
- Quinnipiac vs. Yale
- Cornell vs. Colgate
- North Dakota vs. Minnesota-Duluth
- Minnesota vs. Ohio State
- Youngstown vs. Lincoln (USHL)
It’s a good night to keep an eye on the Bruins’ future - there’s talent developing at every level.
Around the NHL: Legal News, Trade Implications, and Arena Upgrades
Gavin McKenna, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, had a significant legal development yesterday. A felony aggravated assault charge that could’ve resulted in a 20-year sentence was dropped. While prosecutors are still pursuing other charges, it’s a major shift in what had been a serious situation.
In Florida, a trade from nearly a year ago is suddenly relevant again. The Panthers’ 2024 first-round pick is top-10 protected - and right now, it’s sitting at No.
- That means Florida would keep the pick, and the 2027 first-rounder would go to Chicago instead.
But here’s where it gets interesting for Boston: the Bruins own that 2027 Panthers pick from the Brad Marchand trade. If Chicago slides and the Panthers keep their 2024 selection, Boston will get Florida’s 2028 first-rounder instead.
It’s a ripple effect worth watching as the season unfolds.
In San Jose, the Sharks unveiled plans for a $425 million renovation of their arena. The team released a new website showcasing the renderings, and yes - it’s very teal. The Sharks' president called it a “Teal Reimagination,” and the goal is clear: turn the building into a true “shark tank.”
Rangers in a Rut, Eyes on the Break
The New York Rangers have plenty of representation on Team USA, but things haven’t been going smoothly back home. With a 22-29-6 record, they sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Captain JT Miller was visibly frustrated after Thursday’s game, and head coach Mike Sullivan echoed that sentiment - though he tried to stay positive. With the Olympic break underway, this could be a crucial time for the team’s leadership to regroup and reset.
Trade Winds: Edmonton Watching Toronto
The Oilers are reportedly keeping tabs on Toronto, but not for Bobby McMann. According to reports, Edmonton is eyeing Nicolas Roy and veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The two teams had discussions before the roster freeze, and it’s something to monitor once the Olympic break ends.
If Ekman-Larsson becomes available, he could be one of the Leafs’ most valuable trade chips. He’s 34 and signed at $3.5 million through the 2027-28 season - manageable for a contender looking to add experience and puck movement on the blue line.
Panarin to L.A., But Not Before Kane Tried
Artemi Panarin is headed to Los Angeles after using his no-movement clause to engineer a move to Southern California. But before that, Patrick Kane made a pitch to bring him to Detroit.
Panarin, with a smirk, reportedly told Kane, “That’s why I’m not coming to Detroit - I hate you.” All in good fun, of course.
The Red Wings were never really in the mix; Panarin had his sights set on the Kings all along.
Today’s Olympic Action
The women’s tournament continued with a full slate of games:
- Germany 5, Japan 2
- Sweden 6, Italy 1 (Re-airing at 9:00 PM on USA)
- USA 5, Finland 0 (Re-airing at 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM on USA)
- **Switzerland vs.
Canada** - 3:10 PM on USA Network
Looking Ahead
The men’s tournament opens Feb. 11, but the Olympic buzz is already building. Between the Bruins’ presence in Milan, the prospects lighting it up across leagues, and the NHL trade market simmering under the surface, this break has no shortage of storylines.
Bundle up, enjoy the snow, and keep an eye on the ice - it’s going to be a busy weekend in the hockey world.