Bruins Trending Up at Olympic Break, Penguins Surging, and Trade Winds Swirl Across the NHL
As the NHL hits the Olympic pause, the Boston Bruins find themselves in a solid spot-32 wins, 69 points, and holding down the second wild card in the East. That’s no small feat in a season where a lot needed to go right, and, to their credit, a lot has.
Boston’s success to this point has been a group effort, but some pillars stand out. The top line continues to do the heavy lifting, the power play has been a difference-maker, and the infusion of youth has added speed and energy. Add in some sturdy goaltending and a coaching staff that’s pushed the right buttons since coming aboard, and you’ve got a team that’s very much in the playoff mix.
Olympic Spotlight: Bruins Representing in Milan
Two Bruins hit the ice in the opening day of the Men’s Olympic Tournament, though neither made it onto the scoresheet. Two others were scratched, but that could change as the tournament unfolds.
Looking ahead, four Bruins prospects are scheduled to play today. David Pastrnak takes the early slot at 10:40 AM, while Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman will square off against Dans Locmelis at 3:10 PM. That matchup should offer a fun look at the Bruins’ future on an international stage.
Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan, meanwhile, confirmed that Connor Hellebuyck will get the start in their first Olympic game.
Prospect Watch: AHL Stars Shine Bright
The Providence Bruins were well-represented at the AHL All-Star Classic, and they didn’t disappoint. Patrick Brown tallied a goal and an assist, while Frederic Brunet chipped in with two helpers. The Atlantic Division, coached by Providence’s own Ryan Mougenel, finished 2-1 in the mini-tournament.
Elsewhere in the pipeline, Cole Chandler picked up an assist in Shawinigan’s 6-3 loss to Charlottetown. The Maine Mariners, Boston’s ECHL affiliate, dropped a 4-2 decision to the Florida Everblades in Estero, FL. They’ll look to bounce back in a Friday night rematch.
Dean Letourneau on the Mic
Fresh off a Beanpot win, Bruins 2024 first-round pick Dean Letourneau joined the Spittin’ Chiclets crew to talk about his path to Boston, his Beanpot experience, and his decision to play at Boston College. It’s always insightful hearing from young players on the rise, and Letourneau’s combination of size, skill, and maturity continues to turn heads.
Penguins Finding Their Groove
Over in Pittsburgh, the Penguins have quietly turned their season around. After a rough December, they’ve clawed their way back into the playoff picture.
A timely goalie trade helped stabilize things in net, and the resurgence of 37-year-old Evgeni Malkin has been a major storyline. Former Bruin Parker Wotherspoon has also stepped in and made an impact.
It’s been a season full of surprises in the Steel City, and they’re not done yet.
Maple Leafs at a Crossroads
Toronto isn’t in rebuild mode-and according to former defenseman Frankie Corrado, they shouldn’t be. While the foundation remains intact, the Leafs are still expected to explore trade options.
One name to watch? Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
If Toronto decides to move the veteran blueliner, the return could help set the table for next season without blowing things up.
Blue Jackets Looking to Lock In Core
In Columbus, the Blue Jackets are reportedly working on contract extensions for Charlie Coyle, Boone Jenner, and Mason Marchment. All three are in the final year of their deals.
Since bringing in Rick Bowness behind the bench, the Jackets have gone on a tear-10-1-0-and are now just four points behind Boston in the wild card race. This team is surging, and management clearly wants to keep the band together.
Devils’ Olympic Stakes
Seven Devils players are suiting up in Milan, and there’s a lot on the line for some of them. While captain Nico Hischier has less to prove, Jack Hughes enters the tournament with the most to lose. The Olympic stage can be a launching pad-or a spotlight that exposes flaws-and all eyes will be on how New Jersey’s stars perform.
Olympic Highlights: Slovakia Stuns, Italy’s Clara Shines
It didn’t take long for the first Olympic upset. Juraj Slafkovsky, the MVP of the 2022 Games, scored twice as Slovakia knocked off Finland 3-1.
Goaltender Samuel Hlavaj turned aside 38 shots to help seal the deal. Dalibor Dvorsky added the third goal for Slovakia in a statement win.
Later in the day, Italian netminder Damian Clara put on a show against Sweden, stopping 46 of 49 shots before leaving with an injury. Sweden eventually pulled away for a 5-2 win, but Clara’s performance was the kind of effort that sticks in scouts’ minds. Sweden finished with 60 shots-most in a single game in the NHL era of Olympic play.
Today’s Olympic Schedule (All Times ET)
- 6:10 AM (Men’s): Switzerland 4, France 0
- 8:20 AM (Women’s): Finland 0, Canada 5
- 10:40 AM (Men’s): Czechia vs. Canada (USA Network)
- 3:10 PM (Men’s): Germany vs. Denmark (Peacock) - Re-airing at 8:00 PM on USA
- 3:10 PM (Men’s): United States vs. Latvia (USA Network) - Re-airing at 11:00 PM on USA
Tomorrow’s Olympic Schedule
- 6:10 AM (Men’s): Finland vs. Sweden (Peacock)
- 6:10 AM (Men’s): Italy vs. Slovakia (Peacock)
- 10:40 AM (Women’s): Czechia vs. Sweden - Quarterfinal (Peacock)
- 10:40 AM (Men’s): France vs. Czechia (Peacock)
- 3:10 PM (Men’s): Canada vs. Switzerland (Peacock)
- 3:10 PM (Women’s): USA vs. Italy - Quarterfinal (USA Network)
As the Olympic action heats up and the NHL playoff race tightens, there’s plenty to keep fans glued to the screen. Whether it’s Boston’s push, Pittsburgh’s resurgence, or the spotlight moments in Milan, this stretch of the hockey calendar is delivering on all fronts.