The Olympics have wrapped up in thrilling fashion, with Team USA clinching gold in a nail-biting overtime win against Team Canada. This victory not only showcased the talents of stars like Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets and Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils but also set the stage for several standout players to carry their Olympic momentum back into the NHL season, especially with the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the horizon.
As the NHL season resumes, the focus turns to how these Olympic performances might influence the league. During a recent discussion on the Daily Faceoff Olympic postgame show, hosts Tyler Yaremchuk, Jonny Lazarus, and Jeff Marek, along with former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton, explored which players could translate their Olympic success into NHL impact.
Jeff Marek kicked off the conversation by pondering the potential boost players like Connor Hellebuyck might bring to their NHL teams. Although the Winnipeg Jets face a steep climb to playoff contention, Hellebuyck's stellar play could still provide a valuable lift. Marek also mentioned Kevin Fiala and Josh Morrissey as players to watch, particularly Morrissey, who faced challenges during the tournament.
Tyler Yaremchuk highlighted Juraj Slafkovsky from the Montreal Canadiens as a player who might bring a significant advantage. Slafkovsky’s Olympic showing demonstrated his ability to shine in high-pressure situations, a trait that could prove crucial for the Canadiens in future playoff runs. His physical presence and unique style complement the skills of teammates like Suzuki and Caufield, offering Montreal a promising playoff asset.
Jonny Lazarus shared his admiration for Marty Necas, whose performance was nothing short of transformative. Known as a solid player, Necas elevated his game during the Olympics, standing out as Czechia’s top performer and outshining even the best on the Canadian team. His dominance in the tournament hints at his potential to be a true game-changer for the Colorado Avalanche, where he’s already having an impressive season alongside stars like MacKinnon and Makar.
As the NHL gears up for the playoffs, the impact of these Olympic experiences could be pivotal. Players like Hellebuyck, Slafkovsky, and Necas have shown they can rise to the occasion, and their respective teams will be eager to harness that momentum as they push toward the Stanley Cup.