Jake Guentzel's recent journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Fresh off winning Olympic gold with Team USA, the Lightning forward is diving headfirst into a grueling stretch of 27 games in 50 days to close out the NHL regular season.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Guentzel shared before Tampa Bay's matchup against Toronto. “It’s been tough.
It’s stressful, it’s exciting, it’s nerve-wracking, all at the same time. ... I can’t even put into words what it meant to be over there and to be a part of the Olympics.”
This year marked the return of NHL players to the Olympics after a 12-year hiatus, and Guentzel came back to Tampa as a gold medalist, adding to his impressive resume that includes a Stanley Cup win with the Penguins in 2017. When asked to compare these monumental achievements, Guentzel said, “Both are unbelievably special, and it’s hard to point to one or the other.” Representing his country on such a grand stage, especially after both the men’s and women’s teams secured gold, was an extraordinary experience for him.
The spotlight turned to controversy when a video emerged of President Donald Trump congratulating the team and inviting them to the White House. Trump’s comments about inviting the women’s team to avoid impeachment drew mixed reactions.
Guentzel, along with four teammates, opted out of the visit, choosing instead to rest and prepare for the demanding schedule ahead. “It was just kind of a timing thing for me and my family,” he explained.
“I was definitely not denying the request to go as it would obviously be a dream come true.”
The Lightning, who entered the break with a stellar 19-1-1 run, are now back in action with a tight schedule. They face division rival Toronto at home, then hit the road to play Carolina, followed by a home game against Buffalo. The team, leading the Atlantic Division with 78 points, is in a fierce battle with Montreal, Detroit, Buffalo, and Boston for playoff positioning.
In his second season with Tampa Bay, Guentzel has been a force, tallying 26 goals and 60 points in 55 games. Over the last 25 games, as the Lightning went 20-3-2, he's notched 12 goals and 29 points, showcasing his critical role in the team's success.
“The NHL schedule doesn’t really help us out,” Guentzel noted. “It’s tough when you get back Monday night and you’re here Wednesday after a long flight and time change.
I’m just ready to get going and excited for the push.”
With eight Lightning players participating in the Olympics, the team is now focused on their quest for another Stanley Cup. Head coach Jon Cooper, who coached Canada, congratulated Guentzel after the Olympic win, hinting at the potential for more success together. “It was just more, ‘Well, hopefully we’ll do this together sometime soon,’” Guentzel said, reflecting on Cooper's words.
As the Lightning gear up for the final stretch, fans can expect an exciting ride as they chase glory once again.