The Winter Olympics are back, and this year, NHL players are finally returning to the global stage for the first time since 2014. That’s big news for fans-and even bigger news for the Washington Capitals, who’ll have three of their own suiting up for their home countries: Martin Fehervary for Slovakia, Tom Wilson and Logan Thompson for Canada.
Let’s break down what to expect from each of these Caps as they chase Olympic glory, and when you can catch them in action.
Martin Fehervary - Holding the Line for Slovakia
Fehervary has quietly become one of the Capitals’ most dependable blueliners over the past five seasons, and now he’s set to bring that same shutdown presence to Team Slovakia. Despite missing some time earlier this season with an injury, the 24-year-old defenseman has put together a solid campaign-posting 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 58 games while averaging 19 minutes a night.
Oh, and he’s blocked 119 shots along the way. That kind of fearless play is exactly what Slovakia will need as they look to make noise in Group B.
Fehervary was among the first six players named to Slovakia’s preliminary Olympic roster, a clear sign of how much he’s valued on the international stage. He’ll be anchoring a defensive unit that’ll have its hands full with a tough group that includes Finland, Sweden, and Italy.
Here’s Slovakia’s group stage schedule (all times Eastern):
- **Feb. 11 vs.
Finland - 10:40 a.m. **
- **Feb. 13 vs. Italy - 6:10 a.m.
**
- **Feb. 14 vs.
Sweden - 6:10 a.m. **
Tom Wilson & Logan Thompson - Canada’s Capital Connection
When it comes to Team Canada, the expectations are always sky-high-and with good reason. This year, two key pieces of the Capitals’ roster are joining the hunt for gold: veteran forward Tom Wilson and starting goaltender Logan Thompson.
Let’s start with Wilson. The 6-foot-4 winger is having one of the best offensive seasons of his career.
Despite missing time due to injury, he’s still leading the Capitals in goals and has racked up 49 points (23 goals, 26 assists) in 50 games. He’s playing with a physical edge, as always, but he’s also showcasing a scoring touch that makes him a real threat on the Olympic-sized ice.
Canada will lean on his experience, grit, and ability to make an impact in all three zones.
Between the pipes, Logan Thompson has been a revelation this season. With a 19-16-4 record and a .912 save percentage, he’s kept Washington in the playoff picture with some stellar play.
Now, he’s got a chance to do the same for Team Canada. Don’t be surprised if he earns the starting nod over more established names like Darcy Kuemper and Jordan Binnington.
Thompson’s been locked in, and in a short tournament like this, hot goaltending can make all the difference.
Canada’s group stage matchups are as follows:
- **Feb. 12 vs.
Czechia - 8:40 a.m. **
- **Feb. 13 vs. Switzerland - 3:10 p.m.
**
- **Feb. 15 vs.
France - 10:40 a.m. **
Olympic Format & Key Dates
Once group play wraps up, the tournament shifts into elimination mode. On Feb. 17, the playoff qualification round kicks off with four games.
The format is straightforward: the three group winners and the best second-place team get a bye to the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams battle it out for the last four spots.
The quarterfinals go down on Feb. 18, followed by the semifinals on Feb. 20.
Then it’s medal time:
- **Bronze Medal Game - Feb. 21 at 11:40 a.m.
**
- **Gold Medal Game - Feb. 22 at 5:10 a.m.
**
How to Watch
In the U.S., Olympic hockey games will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, with replays and additional coverage on USA Network, CNBC, and NBCSN. Canadian viewers can catch the action through CBC, either on cable or streaming via their app or website.
With NHL stars back in the Olympic mix, this year’s tournament has the potential to be something special. Whether you’re tuning in for Fehervary’s shot-blocking clinic, Wilson’s power-forward presence, or Thompson’s acrobatics in net, Capitals fans have plenty of reasons to set their alarms and cheer their guys on.