American hockey gold medalists Jack Hughes, Quinn Hughes, Hilary Knight, and Megan Keller appeare...

<p>American hockey gold medalists <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack Hughes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15719" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15719">Hilary Knight</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15708" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15708">Megan Keller</a> appeared in Connor Storrie's "Saturday Night Live" opening monologue as their championship tour continues following the Milan Cortina Olympics.</p><p>Storrie, who starred in the hit television series "Heated Rivalry," welcomed the Hughes brothers on to the stage before Knight and Keller joined them.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Connor Storrie’s monologue! <a href="https://t.co/j3b9QkrcWB">pic.twitter.com/j3b9QkrcWB</a></p>— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcsnl/status/2027970550002299238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Jack Hughes and Keller both scored overtime goals in their respective gold-medal games. Both championship games were against Canada.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Saturday was a busy day for both golden-goal scorers. Keller registered an assist in the Boston Fleet's victory in Ottawa before appearing on the show. Meanwhile, Jack Hughes also tallied a helper for the New Jersey Devils.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: Quinn Hughes #43 and Jack Hughes #86 of Team United States celebrate following the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. The United States defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime.

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Hughes brothers, Knight, Keller help with 'Heated Rivalry' star's 'SNL' monologue

Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin is getting frustrated about the lack of progress on an ext...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> is getting frustrated about the lack of progress on an extension, with negotiations expected to be on hold until the offseason, according to <a href="https://x.com/JoshYohe_PGH/status/2027871940086538390?s=20">The Athletic's Josh Yohe</a>.</p><p>"Nothing we can say right now," Malkin said following Saturday's loss to the New York Rangers, per team reporter <a href="https://x.com/PensInsideScoop/status/2027846354907672744/photo/1">Michelle Crechiolo</a>. "I'm just playing. It's not my job to talk to (general manager) Kyle (Dubas) or somebody. I just play my game and just wait."</p><p>Malkin said earlier this season that he only wants to play for the Penguins and doesn't want to retire. The 39-year-old has spent his entire 20-year career in Pittsburgh and has produced 46 points in 43 games this campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Penguins have missed the playoffs in the past three seasons but currently hold the second spot in the Metropolitan Division. However, they'll be without captain <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> for most of the stretch run after he suffered an injury while representing Canada at the Olympics. He's expected to be out for four weeks.</p><p>Malkin is in the final season of a four-year contract that pays him $6.1 million annually. He's an unrestricted free agent as of July 1. </p><p>The Penguins are projected to have over $47 million in cap space this offseason, per <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/pittsburgh-penguins">PuckPedia</a>. </p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 26: Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) skates with the puck during the first period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils on February 26, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Malkin frustrated contract talks delayed until offseason

The Dallas Stars will place forward Tyler Seguin on long-term injured reserve for the remainder o...

<p>The Dallas Stars will place forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1693" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1693">Tyler Seguin</a> on long-term injured reserve for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs, <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2027477549597544917">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> reports. </p><p>Seguin sustained an ACL injury in early December and hasn't played since. He was expected to miss the rest of the season, but his playoff status hadn't been confirmed. By ruling Seguin out for the postseason, the Stars will receive full salary-cap relief for the veteran's $9.85-million cap hit.</p><p>Dallas is currently using $3.82 million of Seguin's cap hit as relief and will be eligible to use the remainder once he's officially on LTIR, according to <a href="https://x.com/PuckPedia/status/2027481408877240602?s=20">PuckPedia</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The NHL modified its LTIR rules last offseason to prevent teams from stashing injured players until the playoffs and then activating them without any cap penalties.</p><p>Seguin, 34, notched 17 points in 27 games before being injured. He has one season remaining on his contract. </p>

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 28: Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) skates up the ice during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Utah Mammoth on November 28, 2025 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

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Report: Stars to place Seguin on season-ending LTIR

Nashville Predators veteran Steven Stamkos denied a report from Thursday suggesting he'd consider...

<p>Nashville Predators veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> denied a report from Thursday suggesting he'd consider moving to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, or Dallas Stars if asked to waive his no-movement clause prior to the March 6 trade deadline.</p><p>"I haven't talked to (general manager Barry Trotz) at all about that," Stamkos told <a href="https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nhl/predators/2026/02/27/steven-stamkos-trade-rumors-nashville-predators-barry-trotz/88899420007/">The Tennesseean's Alex Daugherty</a>, noting there's "zero" chance he'd waive his NMC.</p><p>Stamkos added, "Obviously, there's stuff that gets reported. But what I'll say, with this group, we want to be together. I can only control what I can control, but I love being here."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Predators are two points back of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference through 58 games. Stamkos has been a key reason Nashville has turned its season around, leading the club with 29 goals.</p><p>The 36-year-old is in the second season of a four-year, $32-million contract signed with Nashville after a 16-year run in Tampa Bay.</p><p>The Predators failed to meet expectations in Stamkos' first campaign with the club, finishing 30th in the league standings despite making one of the biggest free-agent splashes in recent memory by signing the two-time "Rocket" Richard winner along with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2870" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2870">Jonathan Marchessault</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4511" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4511">Brady Skjei</a>.</p>

WASHINGTON, D.C. - FEBRUARY 05: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Washington Capitals on February 05, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

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Stamkos denies report he'd consider waiving NMC

Nashville Predators veteran Steven Stamkos would prefer being dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning, D...

<p>Nashville Predators veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1152" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1152">Steven Stamkos</a> would prefer being dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, or Minnesota Wild if he's asked to waive his no-movement clause prior to the March 6 trade deadline, <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/2026/02/26/insider-trading-stamkos-list-of-teams-include-tampa-dallas-minnesota/">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a> reports.</p><p>Stamkos isn't asking out of Nashville, LeBrun notes, and a trade could be more likely in the offseason. </p><p>The 36-year-old is in the second season of a four-year, $32-million deal with the Predators. He signed in Nashville after a 16-year run in Tampa Bay in which he won two Stanley Cups and two "Rocket" Richard Trophies. The Predators would likely have to retain salary if Stamkos returned to the Lightning, as the club currently can't afford his $8-million cap hit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Wild are projected to have $12.3 million in deadline cap space according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/minnesota-wild">PuckPedia</a>, and have already been aggressive in adding talent this season after previously trading for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a>. Minnesota's reported top priority leading up to the deadline is finding a center, which may rule out Stamkos as a fit. While he does have experience at that position, he's primarily been a winger in the later stages of his career.</p><p>The Stars can't fit Stamkos' full contract under the cap at the moment, but could have an extra $9.85 million in playoff cap space if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1693" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1693">Tyler Seguin</a> remains on long-term injured reserve throughout the postseason.</p><p>The Predators returned from the Olympic break four points out of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Stamkos has been a key factor in the club's turnaround after a slow start, leading Nashville with 28 goals. </p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 02: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Nashville Predators looks on during the third period of the game against the St. Louis Blues at Bridgestone Arena on February 02, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Report: Lightning, Stars, Wild among teams Stamkos would waive NMC for

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been placed on injured reserve and will be sideline...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> has been placed on injured reserve and will be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained while representing Canada at the Olympics, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>Crosby suffered the injury against Czechia in the quarterfinals and missed his country's next two games, including Canada's gold-medal loss to the United States in overtime.</p><p>He notched six points in four contests in Milan Cortina. Canada's runner-up finish marked Crosby's first international best-on-best appearance that didn't yield a championship.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Penguins return from the Olympic break holding the second spot in the Metropolitan Division with 70 points. Crosby leads the team with 59 points in 56 games.</p><p>The 38-year-old set an NHL record last season by producing his 20th consecutive point-per-game campaign since being drafted first overall in 2005.</p><p>Crosby had missed only three contests dating back to 2021-22 before his current injury.</p><p>Pittsburgh has missed the playoffs the past three seasons. The club returns to action Thursday against the New Jersey Devils. </p>

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 05: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins prepares for a faceoff against the Buffalo Sabres during the third period of an NHL game on February 05, 2026 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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Crosby to miss at least 4 weeks after Olympic injury

Canada captain Sidney Crosby won't suit up for Sunday's gold-medal game against the United States...

<p>Canada captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> won't suit up for Sunday's gold-medal game against the United States due to the injury he sustained in the quarterfinal.</p><p>Crosby missed Canada's semifinal win over Finland on Friday after being injured in Wednesday's contest and was labeled a game-time decision for the tournament finale. Head coach Jon Cooper said Saturday that Crosby wouldn't dress for the matchup if he couldn't make an impact.</p><p>Crosby notched six points in four games before the injury. He traveled to Milan in search of his third Olympic gold medal, having previously helped Canada win in 2010 and 2014. Crosby and teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/560" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/560">Drew Doughty</a> would be the first NHLers to capture three gold medals if Canada defeats the USA.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Both Canada and the U.S. are undefeated in the tournament and were the top two seeds after round-robin play. Canada needed comeback wins over Czechia and Finland in the playoff round to reach the final, while the United States defeated Sweden in overtime and then routed Slovakia for the chance to play for gold.</p><p>Sunday's game marks the third time Canada and the USA have met in the gold-medal game at the Olympics. Canada won the previous two matchups in 2002 and 2010.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 15: Sidney Crosby #87 of Team Canada skates in the first period during the Men's Preliminary Group A match between Canada and France on day nine of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 15, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Canada's Crosby out for gold-medal game

Canada coach Jon Cooper said captain Sidney Crosby is a game-time decision for Sunday's gold-meda...

<p>Canada coach Jon Cooper said captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> is a game-time decision for Sunday's gold-medal matchup against the United States, according to <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2025193819247939695?s=20">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p>Crosby was injured in Canada's quarterfinal win over Czechia. He left the contest after an awkward collision with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1727" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1727">Radko Gudas</a> and was unable to return. Crosby and Canada's staff <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2024857037507588474?s=20">reportedly</a> tried to find a custom brace to help the 38-year-old suit up for Friday's semifinal versus Finland, but were unable to find a solution.</p><p>Cooper noted that Crosby won't dress in the gold-medal game for the sake of it. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"No. It's too important," Cooper said, per <a href="https://x.com/markhmasters/status/2025203798801543176">TSN's Mark Masters</a>. "We don't want to have somebody in there as an inspiration when we could have a player capable of helping. You never know if guys are going to get hurt. He wouldn't want to do that either."</p><p>Canada scraped by Finland with a 3-2 victory without Crosby to book a spot in the final. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3482493" href="https://thescore.com/news/3482493">said</a> after the game that Crosby was instrumental in inspiring his teammates to a comeback win that was decided by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>'s power-play goal with 35 seconds remaining. </p><p>Crosby had notched six points in four games before being injured. He traveled to Milan in search of his third Olympic gold medal after triumphs in 2010 and 2014. Crosby famously scored the golden overtime winner against the United States in Vancouver, and buried an important tally in Sochi to defeat Sweden. </p><p>While Crosby's status is uncertain, Cooper ruled out defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> for the finale. The Winnipeg Jets star was injured in Canada's first game and hasn't played since.</p><p>Puck drop between Canada and USA is set for 8:10 ET on Sunday.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 15: Sidney Crosby of Canada controls the puck during the Men's Preliminary Round Group A match between Canada and France on day nine of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 15, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Cooper: Crosby 'game-time decision' for gold-medal clash vs. USA

American forward Brady Tkachuk isn't downplaying the rivalry between Canada and the United States...

<p>American forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/7845" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/7845">Brady Tkachuk</a> isn't downplaying the rivalry between Canada and the United States as the two hockey juggernauts prepare to play one another for a gold medal in Milan Cortina.</p><p>"There's hatred there," Tkachuk told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/47994440/brady-tkachuk-us-canada-rivalry-there-hatred-there">ESPN's Emily Kaplan</a>. "I mean, they've been the top dog. They've been the best for the last bunch of years, and for us, we want to be in that position, be the best. So it's going to be a game where I think a lot of guys could say, this is the biggest game that they've ever played in."</p><p>Canada and the USA have clashed six times since the Olympics introduced NHLers in 1998. Canada has won five of those meetings, including two gold-medal games. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The rivals also met in last year's 4 Nations Face-Off final, where Canada won in overtime. </p><p>"I mean, we were one shot away last year, and sometimes you got to go through that adversity, that sadness, those tough times for the good times to feel even better," Tkachuk said. "It was definitely a tough couple days, couple weeks, months after that game. And I know I don't want to feel like that ever again."</p><p>Tkachuk was a central figure at the 4 Nations, scoring in the final and participating in one of three opening fights during the round-robin clash between the two countries.</p><p>The Ottawa Senators captain has registered three goals and two assists in five Olympic contests.</p><p>Both Canada and the United States are undefeated at the tournament. The U.S. bested Canada in overtime in the women's gold-medal game on Thursday. </p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: Brady Tkachuk of Team United States reacts during the Ice Hockey Men United States vs Slovakia Semifinals on day fourteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Brady Tkachuk: 'Hatred' between Canada, USA

Canada erased a 2-0 deficit against Finland en route to a dramatic 3-2 win that booked the tourna...

<p>Canada erased a 2-0 deficit against Finland en route to a dramatic 3-2 win that booked the tournament favorite a spot in the men's hockey gold-medal game at the Milan Cortina Olympics.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> scored the deciding goal on the power play with 35 seconds remaining in regulation after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a> knotted the contest midway through the third period.</p><p><em>For viewers in Canada only:</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MACKINNON GIVES CANADA THE 3-2 LEAD WITH 30 SECONDS LEFT 🚨🇨🇦 <a href="https://t.co/8RTJnoAATP">pic.twitter.com/8RTJnoAATP</a></p>— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOlympics/status/2024909091710075045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>For viewers in USA only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NATHAN MACKINNON IN THE FINAL MINUTE. CANADA HAVE PULLED OFF THE COMEBACK. 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/3jMB2EWWfU">pic.twitter.com/3jMB2EWWfU</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/2024911908113969594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Canada will play the United States in the gold-medal game after the U.S. dismantled Slovakia 6-2 later Friday.</p><p>Finland opened the scoring with a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4772">Mikko Rantanen</a> goal late in the first period then looked to be on track to pull off a major upset after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2935" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2935">Erik Haula</a>'s shorthanded tally in the middle frame. Canada cut the deficit in half with a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> power-play marker and controlled momentum from there.</p><p>Shots finished 39-17 in favor of Canada. </p><p>Canada advanced without captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a>, who pushed to play Friday but ultimately couldn't suit up after sustaining an apparent lower-body injury in the quarterfinal. His availability for Sunday's tournament finale remains uncertain.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> wore the "C" in Crosby's absence and delivered a pair of assists to set an Olympic record for points by an NHLer in a single tournament (13 and counting).</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of Team Canada celebrates scoring a goal in the third period during the Men's Semifinals Playoff match between Canada and Finland on day fourteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Canada mounts epic comeback vs. Finland to reach gold-medal game

Canada captain Sidney Crosby missed Friday's semifinal against Finland after sustaining an appare...

<p>Canada captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> missed Friday's semifinal against Finland after sustaining an apparent lower-body injury in Wednesday's win over Czechia.</p><p>Canada's staff even searched for a custom brace to help Crosby play, but couldn't find a solution, per <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2024857037507588474?s=20">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> is wearing the "C" with Crosby unavailable, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/8539">Cale Makar</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a> will serve as alternates. Olympic rules require teams to designate a captain for every contest.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Crosby notched six points in four Olympic games before the injury. He was anchoring Canada's third line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1741" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1741">Mark Stone</a> and playing on the top power-play unit.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/6457" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/6457">Nick Suzuki</a>, who scored the tying goal late in the third period against Czechia, will fill Crosby's spot on the depth chart. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a> is also drawing back into the lineup after being sidelined for the quarterfinal due to illness.</p><p>Crosby has missed only two games for the Pittsburgh Penguins since 2022-23. His status for Sunday's gold-medal matchup is unclear if Canada advances.</p><p>Head coach Jon Cooper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3481595" href="https://thescore.com/news/3481595">said</a> Wednesday that Crosby was "by no means" ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.</p><p>Canada is also without defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a>, who's been out of action since suffering an injury in the tournament opener.</p>

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Injured Crosby misses Olympic semifinal vs. Finland

Marie-Philip Poulin is undecided on whether Thursday's crushing overtime loss to the United State...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pwhl/players/15778" href="https://thescore.com/pwhl/players/15778">Marie-Philip Poulin</a> is undecided on whether Thursday's crushing overtime loss to the United States was the final game of her storied Olympic career. </p><p>"I'll be in the present and go from there," Poulin said after winning her second silver medal in five Olympic appearances, per <a href="https://x.com/clahanna/status/2024609070615806330?s=20">CBC's Claire Hanna</a>.</p><p>Poulin, 34, captained Canada for the third consecutive Olympics and registered three goals and an assist in five games. She missed two contests after suffering a lower-body injury in Canada's tournament opener.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>She broke Hayley Wickenheiser's all-time Canadian Olympic goal record at the event, setting the new mark at 20, and was named to the tournament All-Star team.</p><p>Poulin is under contract with the PWHL's Montreal Victoire through the 2027-28 campaign. The 2030 Winter Games are scheduled to take place in the French Alps.</p><p>Poulin is one of the most decorated Olympians in Canadian history, with three gold medals and two silvers. She's notched 39 points in 27 career Olympic contests and scored the winning goal in three gold-medal games.</p><p>Poulin commended Canada's effort in the final.</p><p>"Very proud of this group. We showed up, we played hard until the end. Sadly, we came up short," she said, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/olympics/video/2026/02/19/poulin-this-team-is-so-special-like-a-second-family-very-proud-of-this-group/">TSN</a>.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 19: Silver medalists Taylor Heise #27 and Marie-Philip Poulin #29 of Team Canada line up duirng the medal ceremony for the Ice Hockey Women following the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Poulin unsure if Milan Cortina was her final Olympics

United States defender Caroline Harvey was named most valuable player of the women's Olympic hock...

<p>United States defender Caroline Harvey was named most valuable player of the women's Olympic hockey tournament in Milan Cortina, the IIHF announced Thursday, following the USA's gold-medal triumph over Canada.</p><p>Harvey tied teammate Megan Keller for the tournament lead in scoring with nine points in seven games. Harvey was also named the top defender and earned a spot on the media All-Star team.</p><p>Here's the full list of players recognized:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Top Players</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Award</th>
<th>Player</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Best goalkeeper</td>
<td>Andrea Brandli 🇨🇭</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best defender</td>
<td>Caroline Harvey 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best forward</td>
<td>Marie-Philip Poulin 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Brandli played a pivotal role in helping Switzerland win bronze, posting a .952 save percentage and a 1.94 goals-against average. Despite missing two round-robin contests due to injury, Poulin scored three goals in five appearances, including two in Canada's semifinal win.</p><p><strong>All-Star team</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Goalie</td>
<td>Andrea Brandli 🇨🇭</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defender</td>
<td>Caroline Harvey 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defender</td>
<td>Laila Edwards 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>Hannah Bilka 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>Marie-Philip Poulin 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forward</td>
<td>Alina Muller 🇨🇭</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The United States won gold for the third time since women's hockey was added to the Olympics in 1998, outscoring opponents 33-2 en route to the title.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 19: Caroline Harvey #4 of Team United States controls the puck through a stick check by Laura Stacey #7 of Team Canada in the second period during the Women's Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada on day 13 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 19, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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USA's Harvey earns women's hockey MVP, Poulin makes All-Star team

The Carolina Hurricanes signed goaltender Brandon Bussi to a three-year contract extension worth ...

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes signed goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12923" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12923">Brandon Bussi</a> to a three-year contract extension worth $1.9 million per season on Monday. </p><p>Carolina claimed Bussi off waivers from the Florida Panthers in October, and he's taken the reins as the Hurricanes' top goalie. The 27-year-old is 23-3-1 this season with two shutouts and a .906 save percentage.</p><p>"Before we brought him to Raleigh, Brandon had been successful at every level from the USHL to college to the AHL," said general manager Eric Tulsky. "Given the opportunity at the NHL level this season, he's proven to be a winner here too. We are thrilled that he will continue to provide a steady presence in the crease for this team into the future."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bussi was never drafted and spent the past five seasons in the Boston Bruins' minor-league system.</p><p>The Hurricanes entered the Olympic break holding an eight-point advantage atop the Metropolitan Division. </p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: Brandon Bussi #32 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts after a 4-3 victory against the Ottawa Senators at Lenovo Center on February 03, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Hurricanes sign Bussi to 3-year extension

Denmark shocked the United States with a goal from center ice in the first period of Saturday's r...

<p>Denmark shocked the United States with a goal from center ice in the first period of Saturday's round-robin contest.</p><p>Nicholas Jensen ripped a shot from just inside the red line that goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/9893" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/9893">Jeremy Swayman</a> couldn't track. The stunning goal gave Denmark a 2-1 lead that it carried into intermission. </p><p><em>For viewers in USA only: </em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DENMARK SCORES FROM CENTER ICE. 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WinterOlympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WinterOlympics</a> <a href="https://t.co/jELsaAl6Fb">pic.twitter.com/jELsaAl6Fb</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/2022773256004989114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>For viewers in Canada only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rBK2lX1zOas?si=yFdkDgW1NC4NVbux" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Swayman started after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4560">Connor Hellebuyck</a> won USA's opening game on Thursday. Hellebuyck, the back-to-back Vezina Trophy winner, is expected to return to the net Sunday against Germany.</p><p>The long-range goal ultimately didn't come back to hurt the Americans, who went on to claim a 6-3 victory in the contest and improve to 2-0 in round-robin play at the Milan Cortina Games.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 14: (EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was captured using a static remote camera behind the goal.) Jeremy Swayman #1 of Team United States reacts after giving up a goal in the first period during the Men's Preliminary Group C match between the United States and Denmark on day eight of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Watch: Denmark scores from center ice on USA's Swayman

Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey won't play Sunday against France but isn't ruled out for the res...

<p>Canada defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a> won't play Sunday against France but isn't ruled out for the rest of the Olympics, head coach Jon Cooper said Friday, according to <a href="https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/2022448614895693884?s=20">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>.</p><p>Morrissey didn't suit up for Friday's round-robin win against Switzerland after sustaining an injury against Czechia.</p><p>The Winnipeg Jets blue-liner exited Canada's tournament opener Thursday in the second period and was unable to return. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a> drew into the lineup in Morrissey's absence, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/9199" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/9199">Seth Jarvis</a> dressed in place of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a> started in net after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a>'s 26-save shutout against Czechia. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2003" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2003">Darcy Kuemper</a> served as backup. Canada was expected to make a change between the pipes in the second half of a back-to-back.</p><p>Thompson has posted a .912 save percentage in 39 appearances for the Washington Capitals this season. </p><p>Canada can't add an injury replacement for Morrissey now that the tournament is underway. The specifics of Morrissey's injury remain unknown. </p><p>Morrissey notched 42 points in 56 games for the Jets prior to the Olympics. He started Thursday's contest on Canada's second defensive pairing with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4482" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4482">Colton Parayko</a>.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Josh Morrissey #44 of Team Canada in action during the Men's Ice Hockey - Group A match between Team Czech Republic and Team Canada on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Canada's Morrissey won't play vs. France, not ruled out of Olympics

The Canadian men's hockey team began its Olympics slate with a 5-0 win over Czechia on Thursday. ...

<p>The Canadian men's hockey team began its Olympics slate with a 5-0 win over Czechia on Thursday.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/15142" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/15142">Macklin Celebrini</a> opened the scoring for Canada late in the first period, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> racked up three assists and set the tone for the dominant performance with an uncharacteristically big hit during his first shift.</p><p>"Our team wants to play hard, and everybody wants to play hard at this tournament," McDavid said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/2022017570371743985">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>. "You want to be a hard, forechecking team. And it doesn't need to be just Willy (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2592" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2592">Tom Wilson</a>) or Benny (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>) or Marchy (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>). It can be everybody."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> was steady in goal, stopping all 26 shots he faced.</p><p>Binnington entered the Olympics under the microscope as a perceived weak spot after posting the worst stats of the three Canadian netminders selected to the roster. He earned the starting role in Italy after a strong effort during Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off triumph last year.</p><p>On Wednesday, Canada head coach Jon Cooper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3476915" href="https://thescore.com/news/3476915">said</a> his team's goaltending dilemma is "not a story."</p><p>While Binnington stood tall between the pipes, the Canadians' offensive depth shined in the victory. The tournament favorites had five different goal-scorers and flexed their muscles on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>'s third-period power-play goal, which was assisted by McDavid and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a>.</p><p>"Two of the best players ever to play passing it to me is cool," MacKinnon said, according to <a href="https://x.com/SWhyno/status/2022011382879989964">Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press</a>. "I didn't have to do much for that one. Just blessed to be on the backside. Anyone could have put that one in."</p><p>Canada has now won 11 consecutive Olympic games featuring NHL players, with its most recent loss coming in the preliminary round of the 2010 Games.</p><p>The one blemish on its dream start to the Milan Cortina tournament was an injury to defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3161" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3161">Josh Morrissey</a>. The specifics of the ailment aren't yet clear, but he only played one shift after the first period.</p><p>Canada returns to action Friday against Switzerland, while Czechia will take on France. </p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Mark Stone #61 of Team Canada celebrates his first goal with teammates during the Men's Ice Hockey - Group A match between Team Czech Republic and Team Canada on day six of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Canada blanks Czechia to open Olympics with convincing win

Canada men's hockey coach Jon Cooper doesn't agree with the notion that goaltending is a weak spo...

<p>Canada men's hockey coach Jon Cooper doesn't agree with the notion that goaltending is a weak spot for his country at the Milan Cortina Olympics. </p><p>"I understand people have to write about stuff. But our guys go through a wall for them, and they do the same for us," Cooper said, per <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/its-not-a-story-cooper-pumps-canadas-goalies-in-face-of-doubters/">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>.</p><p>"To me, it's not a story. I don't know where it comes from."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canada opens its tournament Thursday with a clash against Czechia. Cooper hasn't officially named a starter, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> is expected to get the nod based on Canada's practice routine. The St. Louis Blues netminder has the worst numbers this NHL season of the three goalies selected to Canada's roster, owning only eight wins in 32 appearances and a .864 save percentage.</p><p>However, Binnington's standout performance at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off put him in the driver's seat to start the Olympic tournament over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/10003" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/10003">Logan Thompson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2003" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2003">Darcy Kuemper</a>.</p><p>"He proved everything I felt about him," Cooper said. "The biggest stage, at the biggest moment, at the biggest time, he delivered. "There's just some guys that got the it factor."</p><p>Binnington also has a Stanley Cup on his resume, playing an essential role in the Blues' 2019 championship.</p><p>Kuemper and Thompson entered the Olympic break with save percentages of .900 and .912, respectively. Kuemper, who won the Stanley Cup in 2022, was a Vezina Trophy finalist last season, while Thompson finished fourth in voting.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Jon Cooper of Team Canada takes part during training on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Cooper dismisses Canada's goalie concerns: 'It's not a story'

Canada and the United States' men's hockey teams practiced for the second time in Italy on Monday...

<p>Canada and the United States' men's hockey teams practiced for the second time in Italy on Monday, gearing up for the highly anticipated return of NHLers at the Olympics.</p><p>Both countries will play their first game of the tournament Thursday. Olympic rules permit teams to dress 13 forwards and seven defensemen.</p><p>Although these lineups aren't set in stone for the teams' respective openers, here's how the two gold-medal favorites stacked up in practice.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Canada</h3><p><strong>Forwards</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LW</th>
<th>C</th>
<th>RW</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Macklin Celebrini</td>
<td>Connor McDavid</td>
<td>Tom Wilson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Suzuki</td>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon</td>
<td>Brad Marchand</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Stone</td>
<td>Sidney Crosby</td>
<td>Mitch Marner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brandon Hagel</td>
<td>Bo Horvat</td>
<td>Sam Reinhart</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/9199" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/9199">Seth Jarvis</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>, who were both added to the roster as injury replacements, skated as extras.</p><p>The top line of Celebrini, McDavid, and Wilson generated the most buzz. Celebrini is the youngest player in the tournament, while Wilson has assumed a more prominent role than many expected.</p><p>"Right to the penthouse with two amazing players," Wilson said Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/sportsnetkyle/status/2020593755665924416?s=20">Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas</a>.</p><p><strong>Defense</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Devon Toews</td>
<td>Cale Makar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Morrissey</td>
<td>Colton Parayko</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thomas Harley</td>
<td>Drew Doughty</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3232" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3232">Shea Theodore</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4175" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4175">Travis Sanheim</a> were the extras on Canada's defense. Theodore sustained an injury early in last year's 4 Nations Face-Off and didn't return. Sanheim averaged over 17 minutes across three games at the event.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2135" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2135">Jordan Binnington</a> was in the starter's net at practice, but head coach Jon Cooper hasn't announced who will be between the pipes against Czechia. Binnington has the worst stats of the three goalies Canada brought to Italy, but he played a key role in securing the 4 Nations championship.</p><h3>United States</h3><p><strong>Forwards</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LW</th>
<th>C</th>
<th>RW</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jake Guentzel</td>
<td>Auston Matthews</td>
<td>Matt Boldy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brady Tkachuk</td>
<td>Jack Eichel</td>
<td>Matthew Tkachuk</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Connor</td>
<td>Dylan Larkin</td>
<td>Tage Thompson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J.T. Miller</td>
<td>Brock Nelson</td>
<td>Jack Hughes</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/5592" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/5592">Clayton Keller</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/2089" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/2089">Vincent Trocheck</a> skated as extras, with the latter rotating into the fourth-line center role.</p><p><strong>Defense</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>LD</th>
<th>RD</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Quinn Hughes</td>
<td>Charlie McAvoy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaccob Slavin</td>
<td>Brock Faber</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Sanderson</td>
<td>Zach Werenski</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/13808" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/13808">Jackson LaCombe</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/4559" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/4559">Noah Hanifin</a> skated as the de facto fourth pairing. McAvoy, who was on the receiving end of a controversial hit to the head during his final game before traveling to Milan, has been a full participant in practice.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/3997" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/3997">Connor Hellebuyck</a> has occupied his own net in practice, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/8282" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/8282">Jake Oettinger</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wolymhm/players/9893" href="https://thescore.com/wolymhm/players/9893">Jeremy Swayman</a> have rotated in the other. Hellebuyck is the front-runner to start against Latvia, but head coach Mike Sullivan hasn't confirmed anything.</p><p>"Performance matters," Sullivan said, according to <a href="https://x.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/2020561674474762245?s=20">Sportsnet's Luke Fox</a>.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 08: Sidney Crosby #87 and Drew Doughty #89 of Team Canada takes part during training on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Previewing Canada, U.S. lines after 2nd day of Olympic practices

NHL players are making their long-awaited return to the Olympics. Let's highlight which ones coul...

<p>NHL players are making their long-awaited return to the Olympics. Let's highlight which ones could tip the scales for their respective countries by picking X-factors for Canada, Czechia, Finland, Sweden, and the United States.</p><p>We're not just looking at each country's best player. (Of course Connor McDavid playing well is paramount to Canada's success.) We dig deeper and highlight a variety of candidates who are capable of impacting games in unique ways.</p><h3>Tom Wilson, Canada 🇨🇦</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784759/cropped_GettyImages-2213949295.jpg?ts=1746760686" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784759/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213949295.jpg?ts=1746760686 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784759/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213949295.jpg?ts=1746760686 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784759/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213949295.jpg?ts=1746760686 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784759/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213949295.jpg?ts=1746760686 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/784759/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213949295.jpg?ts=1746760686 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jess Rapfogel / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Wilson's inclusion was a point of debate before and after he made the cut. He's one of only four forwards who weren't on Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off squad but played his way to Milan by generating 49 points in 50<strong> </strong>games prior to the break. Canada doesn't necessarily need Wilson to be a point-per-game player at the Olympics, but the Washington Capitals enforcer is a rare commodity in today's game. He contributes well at even strength, is sound defensively, and can be trusted on the penalty kill.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite blossoming into a well-rounded power forward, Wilson's physicality is his most recognizable trait. He's one of the NHL's most fearsome hitters and has a long list of supplemental discipline. Under IIHF officiating, he'll need to show some restraint. Wilson is capable of overwhelming opponents on smaller ice and being an impact depth player for Canada, but he'll have a short leash for mistakes. Any costly penalties or suspensions will infuriate Canadians who were opposed to him making the roster over skilled players, such as Connor Bedard or Mark Scheifele.</p><h3>Lukas Dostal, Czechia 🇨🇿</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820447/cropped_GettyImages-2154346639.jpg?ts=1770222678" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820447/w220xh124_GettyImages-2154346639.jpg?ts=1770222678 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820447/w320xh180_GettyImages-2154346639.jpg?ts=1770222678 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820447/w640xh360_GettyImages-2154346639.jpg?ts=1770222678 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820447/w768xh432_GettyImages-2154346639.jpg?ts=1770222678 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820447/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2154346639.jpg?ts=1770222678 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>With Russia ineligible to compete in international events, Czechia can comfortably be considered the best hockey country spurned from the 4 Nations. The Czechs won gold at the 2024 world championships and have reached the podium in four consecutive world juniors. Their program is working and now has an opportunity to showcase its talent at the highest level.</p><p>Dostal was vital to Czechia's world championship victory, posting a .939 save percentage and three shutouts in eight games. He also shined at the junior level, so he's proven to excel when representing his country. Dostal flies under the radar playing for the Anaheim Ducks, but he's produced sterling numbers through the organization's rebuild and is a big reason they're in the playoff mix this year. His 43.01 goals saved above expected over the past two seasons ranks seventh among all netminders.</p><p>Choosing a goaltender as an X-factor is a bit of a cop-out, but in a short event, stability between the pipes is paramount.</p><h3>Roope Hintz, Finland 🇫🇮</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820448/cropped_GettyImages-2199493956.jpg?ts=1770222783" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820448/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199493956.jpg?ts=1770222783 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820448/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199493956.jpg?ts=1770222783 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820448/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199493956.jpg?ts=1770222783 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820448/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199493956.jpg?ts=1770222783 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820448/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199493956.jpg?ts=1770222783 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Finland is missing its best player in Aleksander Barkov, the NHL's premier two-way center. Hintz may well be the next best thing. The Dallas Stars pivot ranks fourth among all forwards this season in Evolving-Hockey's even-strength defense metric and has contributed a respectable 44 points in 52 games.</p><p>Hintz's role is crucial to Finland's medal hopes since he can go head to head with opposing countries' top lines. Ideally, he's up to the task of shutting down the world's best players, which will help his teammates create offense. Finland doesn't have the firepower to play run-and-gun with the likes of Canada or the U.S., and its arsenal of offensive weapons tails off considerably after Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho. The team will need to stick to its identity and commit to a tight defensive game to find success in Milan, but that task becomes much easier with a player like Hintz leading the charge.</p><h3>Rasmus Dahlin, Sweden 🇸🇪</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820449/cropped_GettyImages-2200628725.jpg?ts=1770222889" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820449/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200628725.jpg?ts=1770222889 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820449/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200628725.jpg?ts=1770222889 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820449/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200628725.jpg?ts=1770222889 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820449/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200628725.jpg?ts=1770222889 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820449/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200628725.jpg?ts=1770222889 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ben Jackson/4NFO / World Cup of Hockey / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Dahlin is in the Norris Trophy conversation for his role in positioning the Buffalo Sabres to snap their 14-year playoff drought. He ranks seventh in scoring among defensemen this season with 48 points in 52 games and is the third-highest-producing Swede in the league. His impact on Sweden's blue line will be immense, as the Tre Kronor looks to medal at the Olympics for only the second time since capturing gold in 2006.</p><p>Dahlin is likely to be Sweden's most relied-upon defenseman. Victor Hedman has appeared in only three games since returning from injury and didn't play more than 17 minutes in any of them. Erik Karlsson has enjoyed a nice bounce-back season but won't be taking top-pair duties or power-play time from Dahlin. Gustav Forsling will probably be used in a shutdown pairing, while Rasmus Andersson, Philip Broberg, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson simply aren't as versatile as Dahlin. The Sabres star, who's averaging 24:33 per contest this season, will be indispensable for Sweden in getting the puck to its talented cast of forwards at even strength and quarterbacking a potentially lethal power play.</p><h3>Kyle Connor, United States 🇺🇸</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771090/cropped_GettyImages-2200286284.jpg?ts=1739893208" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771090/w220xh124_GettyImages-2200286284.jpg?ts=1739893208 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771090/w320xh180_GettyImages-2200286284.jpg?ts=1739893208 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771090/w640xh360_GettyImages-2200286284.jpg?ts=1739893208 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771090/w768xh432_GettyImages-2200286284.jpg?ts=1739893208 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/771090/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2200286284.jpg?ts=1739893208 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Babineau/4NFO / World Cup of Hockey / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>For how deep the United States' roster is, most of the discussion has been about who didn't make the team. Jason Robertson and Cole Caufield were notable snubs, but the U.S. isn't lacking talent whatsoever on the wing. One of its top options is Connor, who should be bound for a top-six role after putting up 64 points in 56 games before the break. He also possesses game-breaking speed that fellow forwards Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, and Matt Boldy don't bring to the table.</p><p>On top of his skill set, Connor is a player to watch on account of his sour ending to the 4 Nations Face-Off. He was scratched for the final and watched from the press box as the U.S. failed to solve Canada. If Connor arrives in Milan Cortina with vengeance in mind, he could be in for a huge tournament.</p>

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X-factors for top teams in Olympic men's hockey

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/sean-o-leary/content_cards