As pool play wraps at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the stakes now shift into overdrive. With elimination hockey on deck, every shift, every save, and every goal carries weight. Twelve nations remain in the hunt for gold, and among them are a handful of familiar faces for Islanders fans-some in new roles, others making the most of their Olympic moment.
Bo Horvat: Embracing the Grind for Team Canada
Bo Horvat entered the Olympics knowing his role with Team Canada would look a lot different than his top-line duties on Long Island. Slotted into the bottom six-or even as the 13th forward, as he was in Canada’s most recent game-Horvat has leaned into the assignment with the kind of professionalism and poise you’d expect from a veteran leader.
Despite averaging just 10:16 of ice time through three games, Horvat has already lit the lamp twice. That’s efficient hockey.
He’s made his minutes count, bringing grit and timely scoring to a Canadian squad that, unsurprisingly, secured the top overall seed heading into the knockout round. Canada now waits to face the winner of Tuesday’s Czechia-Denmark matchup.
Ondrej Palat: Veteran Presence on Czechia’s Top Line
Speaking of Czechia, Horvat was the lone Islander headed to the Olympics-until the team added Ondrej Palat. The 34-year-old forward, known for his playoff savvy and two-way game, has found himself in a top-line role alongside Tomas Hertl and David Pastrnak. That’s a lot of skill on one line, and Palat has been right in the mix.
Czechia’s road hasn’t been smooth. They came into Sunday with a win and a loss, and their overtime defeat to Switzerland dropped them to third in their group.
Still, Palat has logged heavy minutes-averaging 18:53 per game-and chipped in an assist. If Czechia can get past Denmark on Tuesday, it sets up a compelling rematch with Canada and a showdown between Palat and Horvat.
Brock Nelson: Making Olympic History for Team USA
Then there’s Brock Nelson, who’s no longer wearing Islander blue but continues to make his mark on the international stage. Nelson has been a force for Team USA, tallying two goals and an assist-all in the Americans’ tournament opener. He’s been a key piece of the penalty kill and a steady veteran presence up front.
His Olympic performance has added another chapter to a family legacy. Nelson became the third member of his family to score in Olympic play, joining his uncle Dave Christian (1980) and grandfather Bill Christian (1960).
Both of them won gold. Nelson’s chasing that same dream now, as the U.S. gears up to face the winner of Sweden vs.
Latvia.
What’s Next
With the group stage in the rearview mirror, it’s win-or-go-home time in Olympic hockey. For the Islanders past and present, the next few days could feature some high-stakes reunions, legacy-defining moments, and maybe even a shot at gold. Stay tuned-this tournament is just getting started.