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NHL Stars Return: Olympic Aftermath and Playoff Races
24 Feb
Summary
- NHL season restarts after Olympic break with altered playoff races.
- Players return from Olympics with varying health and emotional states.
- Russian players rested during Olympics due to country's ban.
The National Hockey League has resumed its season after a pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Players are returning from the tournament with a mix of experiences, including gold medals, injuries, and fatigue. This Olympic interlude has introduced new dynamics to the ongoing playoff races across the league.
Several teams are now assessing the physical and emotional toll on their players. Forwards Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli of the Lightning, for example, were injured and unable to compete. Meanwhile, Russian NHL stars like Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov had an extended break as their country was banned from the Olympics.
The league is closely watching how these returning players will perform as the regular season nears its conclusion. Teams are evaluating their playoff chances, with some, like the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, maintaining dominant positions, while others, such as the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks, face significant challenges to make the postseason.
The impact of Olympic participation, both positive and negative, is a key storyline as the NHL heads toward its playoff push. Player health and the successful integration of returning Olympians will be crucial for team success in the coming weeks.
