The 2026 Winter Olympics have wrapped up, and the Minnesota Wild are celebrating as three of their players return home with gold medals. Team USA edged out Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime finish on February 22. While the Wild’s non-Olympians have been back on the ice since last week, the team is eagerly anticipating the full roster's return.
With three games on the docket this week, including a back-to-back on the road and a home game to close it out, there’s plenty to keep an eye on from February 23 to March 2.
Wild’s Olympians Return
For Wild fans, the Olympic break felt like an eternity. But now, with the gold medal ceremonies concluded, the NHL action is set to resume. The Wild will soon be back at full strength, bringing with them a wealth of Olympic experience.
Eight Wild players participated in the Olympics, with three-Brock Faber, Quinn Hughes, and Matt Boldy-returning as champions. Meanwhile, Nico Sturm and Team Germany, along with Team Sweden’s Joel Eriksson Ek, Marcus Johansson, Jesper Wallstedt, and Filip Gustavsson, saw their journeys end in the quarterfinals. Team USA's victory over Canada means Faber, Hughes, and Boldy bring home the gold, hopefully boosting their confidence as they rejoin the Wild.
These players will need to be ready to jump back into NHL action, as the Wild's season resumes on Thursday, February 26.
Wild’s Olympic Goaltending
The Olympics were a mixed bag for the Wild’s goalies. Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt represented Sweden, but things didn’t go as planned.
Gustavsson had a shaky start against Italy but rebounded to secure the win. However, a tough 4-1 loss to Finland saw him benched for the rest of the tournament.
Wallstedt, serving as backup, didn’t see any ice time, with Jacob Markström taking the reins.
Gustavsson’s Olympic experience might have been rocky, but it's a chance for him to reset and come back stronger for the Wild. Wallstedt, despite not playing, gained valuable experience, and both should be ready to contribute as the season resumes.
Wild’s First Game Back
The Wild kick off their post-Olympic schedule on Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche. They left for the break riding a five-game win streak, and a strong performance could set the tone for the rest of the season. The challenge will be to quickly regain their chemistry after weeks apart.
With the Wild just five points shy of the Avalanche, this week presents a prime opportunity to close the gap. The gold medalists-Faber, Boldy, and Hughes-will need to channel their Olympic success into NHL victories.
The Wild’s return to action will test their resilience and ability to maintain momentum. Fortunately, all players are returning healthy, which bodes well for their chances to secure three wins this week.
Wild Schedule Feb. 23 - Mar. 1
- Thurs, Feb. 26 @ Colorado Avalanche: 8:00 PM CT at Ball Arena.
First game back from Olympic break.
- Fri, Feb. 27 @ Utah Mammoth: 8:00 PM CT at Delta Center.
A test of endurance on back-to-back nights.
- **Sun, Mar. 1 vs. St.
Louis Blues:** 4:00 PM CT at Grand Casino Arena. The first home game after the break.
As the Wild gear up for these crucial matchups, fans can expect an exciting week of hockey with plenty of storylines to follow.