As the NHL hits pause for the Olympic break, Pittsburgh Penguins fans get a rare opportunity to shift their focus from PPG Paints Arena to a more global stage-and there’s plenty of Black and Gold flavor to be found in Italy. Four Penguins players are set to represent their countries at the 2026 Winter Olympics, each with a meaningful role and something significant on the line. Whether it's a final Olympic run or a shot at proving themselves on the world stage, these players are carrying more than just national pride-they're carrying storylines worth watching.
Let’s break down when and where to catch them in action, and what to expect from each.
Sidney Crosby - Canada
Let’s start with the legend. Sidney Crosby is back in red and white, and this Olympic appearance feels like the closing chapter of one of the most iconic international careers in hockey history. At 38, Crosby is still showing he can hang with the best in the NHL, and now he’s set to lead Canada once again-this time as captain.
Crosby’s international résumé already includes two Olympic gold medals (2010, 2014), and of course, that Golden Goal in Vancouver that’s etched into Canadian sports lore. This time around, he’s expected to slot in on Canada’s second line, bringing leadership, poise, and that signature hockey IQ that’s made him a generational talent.
His presence alone elevates Canada’s chances, but make no mistake-Crosby isn’t just here for the ceremonial sendoff. He’s here to win.
Canada’s Group A Schedule:
- **Feb.
12:** Canada vs Czechia - 10:40 a.m. EST
- Feb. 13: Canada vs Switzerland - 3:10 p.m.
EST
- **Feb.
15:** Canada vs France - 10:40 a.m. EST
Group A sets up nicely for Canada, with a clear path to the top spot if they handle business. Expect Crosby to be front and center in those efforts.
Erik Karlsson & Rickard Rakell - Sweden
Sweden’s Olympic roster features two key Penguins, both bringing different strengths and storylines into the tournament.
Erik Karlsson, now in his third Olympic appearance, continues to be a force on the international stage. He’s been a staple for Sweden over the years, and even as he enters the back half of his career, his offensive instincts from the blue line remain elite. With eight points in six Olympic games to his name, Karlsson is expected to quarterback the power play and drive offense from the back end-something Swedish teams have leaned on him to do time and time again.
Rickard Rakell enters the tournament with something to prove. He didn’t find the scoresheet during the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, but he’s healthy again and looking more like himself. Internationally, Rakell has produced in past World Championships and junior tournaments, and if he finds his rhythm early, he could be a sneaky X-factor for Sweden’s forward group.
Sweden’s Group B Schedule:
- **Feb.
11:** Sweden vs Italy - 3:10 p.m. EST
- Feb. 13: Sweden vs Finland - 6:10 a.m.
EST
- **Feb.
14:** Sweden vs Slovakia - 6:10 a.m. EST
Group B is shaping up to be the tightest race of the tournament. Finland and Slovakia bring serious firepower, so every shift will matter. Sweden will need Karlsson’s leadership and Rakell’s scoring touch to emerge from this group on top.
Artūrs Šilovs - Latvia
While Crosby, Karlsson, and Rakell are established names, Artūrs Šilovs is stepping into a spotlight that could define the next chapter of his career.
Acquired by the Penguins in the offseason, Šilovs has been steady in net, and now he’s got a chance to backstop Latvia on the Olympic stage. He’ll be competing for the starting job with Elvis Merzļikins, but given Šilovs’ strong international track record-including a .929 save percentage and sub-2.00 GAA in World Championship play-he’s got a real shot to seize the crease.
Latvia isn’t expected to match the firepower of the U.S. or Germany, but they’ve earned a reputation as a team that punches above its weight. If Šilovs gets the nod, his performance could be the difference between an early exit and a Cinderella run.
Latvia’s Group C Schedule:
- **Feb.
12:** Latvia vs United States - 3:10 p.m. EST
- Feb. 14: Germany vs Latvia - 6:10 a.m.
EST
- **Feb.
15:** Denmark vs Latvia - 1:10 p.m. EST
Latvia will need elite goaltending to stay competitive, and Šilovs has shown he’s capable of delivering just that. Keep an eye on how the crease battle plays out early in the tournament.
Penguins on the Global Stage
Between Crosby’s swan song, Karlsson’s veteran presence, Rakell’s redemption arc, and Šilovs’ rise, the Penguins are well represented across three Olympic rosters. For fans in Pittsburgh, this Olympic break isn’t a break at all-it’s a chance to watch familiar faces chase gold and glory on the world’s biggest stage.
And while the NHL season takes a pause, the stakes for these four players couldn’t be higher. Whether it’s one last dance or a first big step, they’re all playing for something more than just medals-they’re playing for legacy.