Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Hits Knockout Stage: Who’s Moving On and Who’s Going Home?
It’s win-or-go-home time in Milan as the Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey tournament shifts into high gear. The knockout stage kicks off today with four high-stakes matchups that will determine the remaining quarterfinal spots.
Canada, the United States, Slovakia, and Finland have already punched their tickets to the next round after strong showings in group play. Now, eight teams are battling for the final four spots, with the quarterfinals set for Wednesday.
Here’s how today’s schedule shakes out:
- 6:10 AM EST: Germany vs. France and Switzerland vs.
Italy
- 10:40 AM EST: Czechia vs.
Denmark
- 3:40 PM EST: Sweden vs.
Latvia
Plenty of eyes will be on that Sweden-Latvia game, and not just because of the stakes. It features a handful of NHL talent with Olympic ties - including three players from the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.
Penguins Watch: Olympic Stakes and Organizational Movement
Three Penguins-affiliated players will be suiting up today with medal dreams still alive. Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell are set to lead Sweden into their clash with Latvia, where they’ll face off against fellow Penguin prospect Arturs Silovs. A win for Sweden would set up a marquee quarterfinal showdown with Team USA - a matchup that would be dripping with storylines and star power.
Back in North America, the Penguins' Olympic break has given the front office a chance to evaluate some of the organization’s rising talent - and there’s plenty to talk about.
Avery Hayes’ Debut Makes a Splash
Before the Olympic pause, Avery Hayes made quite the impression in his NHL debut, lighting the lamp twice against the Buffalo Sabres. The young forward was returned to the AHL after the game, but it’s clear his performance didn’t go unnoticed. With the Penguins looking to find a spark in the second half, Hayes’ return to the big club might be more of a “when,” not “if.”
Ville Koivunen Heating Up in the AHL
Ville Koivunen is another name making waves in the Penguins’ system. The Finnish forward has been bouncing between Wilkes-Barre and Pittsburgh this season, but he’s currently tearing it up in the AHL. With 13 points in his last nine games, Koivunen is helping the Baby Penguins push for a playoff bye - and making a strong case for another NHL look in the process.
Dubas’ Eye for Value: Chinakhov and Solovyov
President of Hockey Ops Kyle Dubas has made a career out of finding value where others don’t, and his latest moves are continuing that trend.
Egor Chinakhov, a former first-round pick who needed a fresh start away from Columbus, has looked rejuvenated since arriving in Pittsburgh. He’s playing with confidence and showing flashes of the offensive upside that made him a top pick in the first place.
On the blue line, Ilya Solovyov is another intriguing addition. Acquired from Colorado in January, Solovyov was scratched for his first three games but has since worked his way into the lineup. He’s now fighting to make that spot permanent - and early signs suggest he’s up for the challenge.
Trade Deadline Outlook: Draft Picks in Play, Not the Future
As the trade deadline approaches, the Penguins aren’t expected to be major sellers - and don’t expect them to part with their 2026 first-round pick unless something truly compelling comes along. That said, other draft assets could be in play if the right opportunity presents itself. With the team still in the playoff mix, the front office is walking the line between building for the future and staying competitive now.
Around the League: Bussi Stays in Raleigh, Skinner Hits the Market
Elsewhere in the NHL, goaltender Brandon Bussi has gone from waiver-wire pickup to long-term piece for the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes locked him up with a three-year extension on Monday, rewarding the breakout netminder for a stellar season.
Meanwhile, veteran forward Jeff Skinner is officially on the market. The San Jose Sharks placed Skinner on waivers with the intent to terminate his contract, making him a free agent ahead of the league’s restart next week. It’ll be interesting to see where the former 30-goal scorer lands as teams look to solidify their rosters for the stretch run.
With Olympic drama heating up overseas and NHL storylines simmering at home, the next few days are shaping up to be a pivotal stretch for hockey fans. Whether you're tracking medal hopefuls or monitoring trade deadline buzz, there’s no shortage of action on the ice.