As the NHL's Olympic break wraps up, the 2025-26 season is set to resume with a slate of eight games on Wednesday. The Pittsburgh Penguins, however, have an extra day to prepare as they face off against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday at PPG Paints Arena. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of gold medal hero Jack Hughes in that matchup.
For those looking for updates on Sidney Crosby, Monday brought little news beyond his return to North America with his fellow Canadian teammates. Crosby will undergo evaluation upon rejoining the team this week, leaving his status somewhat up in the air.
In the meantime, Avery Hayes is making waves. Recalled to the NHL on Monday, Hayes is looking to build on his impressive debut performance just before the Olympic break.
During his stint in the AHL, Hayes lit up the scoreboard with two hat tricks for the Baby Pens, solidifying his place in Pittsburgh. His fiery form has certainly earned him this call-up.
With 26 games left in the Penguins' season, each contest holds significant weight as they vie for a playoff spot. The team has positioned itself well through the first 56 games, but their postseason fate will hinge on their performance in the final stretch.
Sunday marked a pivotal moment for hockey in the United States, promising to influence the sport for years to come. While Pittsburgh already enjoys a strong hockey culture, the events in Milan are expected to further energize the local scene.
If Milan was indeed Sidney Crosby's Olympic swan song, it may not have ended as he hoped. Fans can only wish that his NHL career continues on a more triumphant note.
As NHL teams gear up for their return to action, Olympic athletes are still making their way back from Milan. It's uncertain whether these players will immediately jump back into games or take a few days to recover from their travels.
Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff humorously suggested that the U.S. players might not be ready to hit the ice this week, given the celebrations following their achievements. Whether Ruff's lighthearted prediction holds true remains to be seen, but it's understandable if the athletes need a moment to recharge.
Reflecting on the growth of hockey, it's remarkable to see how the ECHL has expanded since its early days. Next season, the league will introduce its 30th team, the New Mexico Goatheads, affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche.
Looking ahead, if the NHL participates in the 2030 Olympic Games in France, the U.S. will be well-positioned to defend its men's hockey gold. While the future is unpredictable, fans can expect to see some familiar faces representing the red, white, and blue.