The Olympic break wrapped up with the Vegas Golden Knights making their mark on both the gold and silver podiums.
Team USA triumphed over Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime finish at Milano Cortina 2026. Jack Hughes netted the game-winner just 1:41 into the extra period, securing the first men’s Olympic gold for the Americans since 1980.
For the Golden Knights, it was a golden moment for Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin, while Mark Stone and Shea Theodore took home silver for Canada.
But now, it's back to the grind. The NHL schedule waits for no one.
No Easy Transition
The Golden Knights dive right back into action with a road-heavy lineup starting Wednesday. They kick off their post-break stretch against the Los Angeles Kings on February 25. This road trip also includes stops in Washington, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Detroit before they finally return to T-Mobile Arena on March 6 to face the Minnesota Wild.
Tomas Hertl, fresh off the Olympic stage, summed it up: “Yeah, a little still tired, obviously. It’s more like about head because you’re thinking about it, ‘Oh, I have to change,’ but in three days we fly on the East again. So, it’s kind of obviously tough, but that’s part of it… get some massages and get ready because it will come really fast now.”
That’s the reality for the next month and a half.
Holding the Pacific Lead
The Golden Knights are sitting atop the Pacific Division with 68 points (27-16-14). However, the race is tight, with Edmonton at 64 points, and Seattle and Anaheim each at 63. The Kings are close behind with 60 points.
The lead is theirs, but the pressure is on.
Why Momentum Matters
Vegas didn’t head into the break on a high note, posting a 3-5-2 record in their last 10 games. However, winning their final two games before the pause helped shift the mood.
This momentum is crucial as the games come thick and fast. There’s no time to find form over two weeks.
Upcoming Challenge: Kings on Wednesday
The Golden Knights restart their campaign with a division clash on the road against the Kings on February 25. The game will be broadcast on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max.
Mark Stone is the player to watch for Vegas, racking up eight points in his last five games, including four goals and seven assists.
For the Kings, Adrian Kempe is in form, with three goals and three assists in his last five outings.
The Goalie Duel
Vegas has choices in net, with Akira Schmid boasting a 16-6-6 record, a 2.53 GAA, and a .895 save percentage. Adin Hill, meanwhile, stands at 4-3-3 with a 3.27 GAA and a .870 save percentage.
On the other side, the Kings might go with either Darcy Kuemper or Anton Forsberg. Kuemper has a 2.59 GAA and a .900 save percentage, while Forsberg has a 2.57 GAA and a .907 save percentage.
The key question: Can Vegas defend sharply from the get-go, or will their goalie need to be the hero?
The Final Stretch
With 25 games in the next 49 days, including two in February, 16 in March, and seven in April, there’s no room for slow starts.
The Golden Knights have seen their stars shine on the Olympic stage. Now, it’s time to bring that energy back home and keep racking up those points.