The 2026 Winter Olympics have wrapped up, and while that's a bit of a bummer, there's plenty to celebrate for hockey fans. Team USA snagged the gold medal in a heart-stopping showdown against Canada, winning 2-1 in overtime.
Jack Hughes came through with the golden goal, and Matt Boldy added to the excitement, while Connor Hellebuyck held strong in net. Canada had their chances, but couldn't capitalize, leaving fans with a thrilling finish reminiscent of a Game 7 nail-biter.
This year's Olympic men's hockey tournament was nothing short of electrifying. It wasn't just about the Americans taking gold; it was the sheer number of overtime games, comebacks, and standout performances that made it unforgettable.
With the Vegas Golden Knights heading back to the NHL, let's give this Olympic recap a Vegas flair. We’ll break down who shone and who struggled on the ice.
Not Quite Jackpot
Tomas Hertl had a tough run with the Czech Republic, managing just one assist in five games. The Czechs were hoping to surprise as the dark horse, but their performance fell flat. Golden Knights fans might be a bit anxious about Hertl's form as they gear up for a crucial road trip.
Shea Theodore, playing for Canada, recorded a goal and an assist in six games. He was clutch with a game-tying goal against Finland, but his overall impact was less than expected, leaving the Canadians wanting more from their blue line.
Rolling the Dice
The Swedes kept things interesting by constantly shuffling their lineup, leaving Rasmus Andersson with just two games under his belt. It was a head-spinning strategy that didn’t quite pay off.
Switzerland’s Akira Schmid had a brief Olympic stint, starting just one game with a tough outing against Canada. With a GAA of 5.00 and a save percentage of .872, it’s hard to judge his performance based on such limited action.
Solid Bets
Noah Hanifin exceeded expectations for Team USA, notching a goal and two assists. While he didn’t add to his tally in the final, his contributions were vital in the journey to gold.
Mark Stone started strong with two goals and two assists, earning comparisons to Hercules. However, his offensive presence dwindled in the later rounds. Still, his early efforts were key in the team’s success.
Hitting the Jackpot
Mitch Marner was a standout for Canada, delivering the game-winner against the Czech Republic and adding four assists. His performance was a bright spot in Canada’s campaign.
Jack Eichel shined as the top Golden Knights representative, averaging a point per game with two goals and four assists. The Olympic stage in Milan was perfect for Eichel to showcase his skills, and he certainly delivered.
As we transition back to the NHL season, these Olympic performances will be fresh in our minds. The Golden Knights and their fans will be eager to see if the momentum from Milan carries over to the ice back home.