Golden Knights Shine on Olympic Ice: Eichel, Stone, Hertl & More Making Noise in Milan
The Vegas Golden Knights didn’t just send a few players to the 2026 Winter Olympics - they sent a small army. From Team USA to Team Canada and across Europe, Golden Knights talent is making its presence known on the international stage. And if early performances are any indication, Vegas fans have plenty to be excited about - not just for the Olympics, but for what this could mean down the stretch of the NHL season.
Let’s break it down.
Eichel and Hanifin Fuel Team USA's Push
Team USA didn’t exactly come out of the gate flying. In their early matchup against Denmark, the Americans found themselves trailing 2-1 - not the start you'd expect from a team with gold medal aspirations. But that’s when the Golden Knights’ duo of Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin stepped up and changed the tone of the game.
Eichel, known for his elite vision and playmaking, started carving up the Danish defense with slick puck movement and smart zone entries. Hanifin, always steady on the blue line, added some offensive punch of his own.
The result? A 6-3 comeback win that got the U.S. back on track and reminded everyone why this team is considered a serious contender.
If the Americans are going to make a run at gold, it’ll be on the backs of their stars - and right now, two of those stars wear gold and black in the NHL.
Stone and Marner Making Magic with a Legend
Team Canada came into the Olympics with sky-high expectations - and so far, they’re living up to every bit of the hype. Mark Stone and Mitch Marner, both Golden Knights mainstays, have found themselves flanking none other than Sidney Crosby, the future Hall-of-Famer and three-time Stanley Cup champ.
That combination? It’s been lethal.
Stone brings his trademark two-way game and leadership, while Marner adds speed, creativity, and a knack for finding open ice. Together with Crosby, they’ve overwhelmed opponents and positioned Canada as the team to beat in Milan.
For Golden Knights fans, watching Stone and Marner thrive alongside one of the game’s all-time greats is more than just fun - it’s a reminder of the high-end talent Vegas has in its locker room. And if they can bring that same chemistry back to the NHL, the rest of the league better take notice.
Tomas Hertl Helps Czechia Bounce Back
The Czech Republic had a rough go early on, getting handled by a dominant Canadian squad. But Tomas Hertl and company didn’t let that loss define them.
Facing a scrappy French team that refused to go away, the Czechs needed a spark - and Hertl delivered. He peppered the net with five shots and helped drive the offense in a 6-3 win that righted the ship and kept Czechia’s medal hopes alive.
Hertl’s performance was vintage: strong on the puck, patient in the offensive zone, and relentless in his effort. It’s the kind of game that bodes well not just for his national team, but for the Golden Knights come playoff time. If Hertl can carry this form back to Vegas, he could be a difference-maker down the stretch.
Golden Knights Across the Globe
The Olympic spotlight has only underscored what Golden Knights fans already know: this team is loaded with talent. Whether it’s Rasmus Andersson holding it down for Sweden, Akira Schmid representing Switzerland between the pipes, or Shea Theodore patrolling the blue line for Canada, Vegas players are making a global impact.
And that matters. Because while the Olympics are about national pride, they also serve as a proving ground - a high-pressure, high-stakes environment that mirrors the intensity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The more battle-tested these players become in Milan, the better prepared they’ll be when the NHL season hits its most crucial stretch.
So yes, life is good for Golden Knights fans right now. Their stars are shining on the biggest stage, and when they return from Italy, they’ll bring that experience - and hopefully, that momentum - back to Vegas.
The world’s watching now. Soon, it’ll be the NHL’s turn again.