Saturday Olympic Rundown: Bruins Making Their Mark in Milan
It’s a packed Saturday on the ice, and the Boston Bruins are making sure their presence is felt at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Whether it’s established stars lighting up the scoreboard or prospects showing flashes of what’s to come, there’s no shortage of Black and Gold storylines to follow.
Pastrnak, Locmelis Deliver First Olympic Points
David Pastrnak is officially on the Olympic board. The Bruins’ top winger notched his first goal of the tournament and added an assist in Czechia’s 6-3 win over France.
It wasn’t just a stat-padding performance, either - Pastrnak’s goal came at a key moment, sparking a four-goal surge after France had clawed their way back into the game. Czechia opened with two goals - including a rare shorthanded 3-on-0 - but saw their lead vanish as France pushed back with three unanswered.
That’s when Pastrnak stepped up, helping flip the script and put the game away.
Meanwhile, Dans Locmelis had a morning to remember for Latvia. The Bruins forward prospect scored twice on the power play in a 4-3 win over Germany.
These were Locmelis’ first Olympic points, and more importantly, they helped Latvia secure its first Olympic win since 2014. That’s a big moment for both the country and the young center, who’s been steadily climbing the Bruins’ pipeline.
For Bruins fans keeping tabs on the full Olympic roster: neither of the Lindholms suited up for Sweden in their early morning game. Jeremy Swayman, however, is set to start for Team USA later today, giving Bruins fans another reason to tune in.
Around the Olympic Ice
Elsewhere in Milan, Finland bounced back from a loss to Slovakia with a convincing 4-1 win over rival Sweden. Four Bruins saw action in that game, although Joonas Korpisalo was on backup duty and Henri Jokiharju logged just 2:12 of ice time.
Slovakia stayed hot with a 3-2 win over host-nation Italy, marking their second straight victory. Canada also handled business, cruising past Switzerland 5-1.
But the big news coming out of that game isn’t the scoreline - it’s the injury to Kings forward Kevin Fiala. After a collision with Tom Wilson late in the game, Switzerland confirmed Fiala is out for the rest of the tournament.
Reports indicate he’s undergoing season-ending surgery.
On the women’s side, Team USA continues to dominate. The American women shut out Italy 6-0 to punch their ticket to the semifinals.
Bruins fans will recognize some local ties here - Boston Fleet captain Megan Keller opened the scoring, Kendall Coyne Schofield added two goals, and Caroline Harvey, a Salem, NH native, chipped in an assist. The U.S. women will be back on the ice Monday morning at 10:40 AM ET.
Prospects Watch: BC Trio Hits the Scoresheet
It’s not just the Bruins’ NHLers making noise - the pipeline is buzzing, too.
Last night, three Bruins prospects from Boston College made an impact in their matchup against Merrimack:
- James Hagens: Scored a goal
- Dean Letourneau: Added a shorthanded goal - and continues to lead BC in goals this season
- Andre Gasseau: Tallied an assist
Despite the 4-2 loss, it was a productive night for the Bruins’ future. Letourneau and Hagens, both first-round picks, continue to show why they’re considered key parts of the team’s long-term plans.
Looking ahead to tonight, it’s a full slate for Bruins prospects across the NCAA:
- Boston University vs. UNH - 6:00 PM ET, Agganis Arena
- Minnesota vs. Notre Dame - 6:00 PM ET, Compton Family Ice Arena
- Western Michigan vs. Arizona State - 6:00 PM ET, Lawson Ice Arena
- Boston College vs. Merrimack - 7:00 PM ET, Conte Forum
- Quinnipiac vs. Princeton - 7:00 PM ET, M&T Bank Arena
- Cornell vs. Union - 7:00 PM ET, M&T Bank Center
- Harvard vs. Yale - 7:00 PM ET, Ingalls Rink
- North Dakota vs. Miami (OH) - 7:07 PM ET, Ralph Engelstad Arena
That’s 11 teams with Bruins prospects in action tonight - a great night to fire up the college hockey streams if you’re scouting for the future.
Providence Keeps Rolling, Mariners Grind Out OT Win
In the AHL, the Providence Bruins are in Bridgeport tonight, riding a red-hot 10-game win streak. They’ve had Bridgeport’s number all season, and they’ll look to extend both streaks in tonight’s matchup.
Down in the ECHL, the Maine Mariners edged the Florida Everblades 2-1 in overtime last night. They’re back at it again tonight in Estero, FL, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM ET.
Today’s Olympic Schedule (All Times ET)
Already Played:
- Sweden 5, Slovakia 3
- Latvia 4, Germany 3
Coming Up:
- 10:40 AM (W): Canada vs.
Germany (CNBC) - Quarterfinal
- 10:40 AM (M): Finland vs.
Italy (USA Network)
- 3:10 PM (W): Finland vs.
Switzerland (CNBC) - Quarterfinal
- 3:10 PM (M): USA vs.
Denmark (USA Network)
Looking Ahead: Sunday Olympic Slate
- 6:10 AM (M): Switzerland vs. Czechia (CNBC)
- 10:40 AM (M): Canada vs. France (USA Network)
- 1:10 PM (M): Denmark vs. Latvia (CNBC)
- 3:10 PM (M): USA vs. Germany (USA Network)
It’s a busy weekend for Bruins fans - from Olympic glory to prospect development to minor league dominance. Whether you’re tracking Pastrnak’s pursuit of a medal, Swayman’s starts for Team USA, or Letourneau lighting it up for BC, there’s no shortage of action. Grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy a full day of hockey.