Canada has turned Olympic men’s hockey into a tradition of gold, while the United States has too often settled for silver despite elite talent. As the 2026 Games approach, the same question looms again: will Canada continue to rule the podium, or can Team USA finally break through when it matters most?

NHL stars return to the Olympic stage as men’s ice hockey takes center stage at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. With best-on-best competition back for the first time since 2014, marquee matchups featuring Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Leon Draisaitl headline a must-watch tournament from February 11–22.

Brad Marchand scored the decisive goal in the shootout, and Anton Lundell recorded a goal and two assists as the Florida Panthers edged the Boston Bruins 5-4 on Wednesday night. The win snapped Florida’s four-game losing streak and sent Boston into the NHL’s Olympic break after another tightly contested shootout loss in Florida.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones was suspended for 20 games after testing positive for a banned substance. Jones said the result likely came from contaminated exosome therapy he received for an injury and said he did not intentionally use performance-enhancing drugs.

At 40, Pierre‑Édouard Bellemare will make his Olympic debut, capping a career built on reliability, discipline, and steady NHL excellence. From undrafted prospect to Stanley Cup champion, he arrives in Milan‑Cortina ready to lead France on the world stage.

The Penguins’ playoff push just hit a major obstacle. With Kris Letang sidelined for at least four weeks by a fractured foot, Pittsburgh must now navigate a crucial stretch without the heart, minutes, and leadership of its longtime defensive anchor.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes is emerging as a leading candidate to become the highest-paid defenseman in NHL history when he becomes eligible for a contract extension later this year. Acquired in a franchise-altering trade from Vancouver in December, he has continued to play at a high level in Minnesota.

Fraser Minten turned January into his breakout moment, recording eight goals and 14 points in 14 games. His surge powered Boston’s 11-2-1 run and earned him NHL Rookie of the Month honors.