If the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic hockey tournament doesn’t have you bursting with excitement than you likely don’t have a pulse. Team USA advanced past Sweden yesterday when American standout Quinn Hughes scored a 3-on-3 overtime winner. A loss to Sweden would have been an international disaster. Same if Team Canada failed to overcome Team Czechia in the Quarterfinals.
Each powerhouse had to sweat out its knockout round victories, but both nations were greatly impacted by a couple of Golden Knights.
MITCH MARNER'S OVERTIME WINNER TO SEND CANADA TO THE SEMI-FINALS 🚨
With time winding down in the 3rd period, it looked like the Olympics were about to see their first seismic upset of the Winter Games. Sure, Chloe Kim and Quad God’s absence from the top podium was a shock, but losing Team Canada or Team USA in the Quarterfinals would have sent hockey enthusiasts into a frenzy.
It was no surprise that Monday’s 2-1 defeat vs. Team Sweden was an overall letdown after Saturday’s big showdown with the Canadians. Team USA’s motivation was simply not up to the same level as the Swedes. And who can blame them after being emotionally drained and officially qualified for Thursday’s championship? While the game was short of action one member of Team USA’s stock continues to rise and Golden Knights fans are not surprised.
His 200-foot game is outstanding. He skates so effortlessly out there. He’s got zero pulse and can’t rattle him at all. When you see him with the puck on his stick, he holds the puck, creates space for himself and he puts players in a position to have success. -Anson Carter, NHL analystAnson Carter, NHL analyst
Rightfully so, the highly entertaining TNT panel praised Golden Knights star center Jack Eichel’s impact for Team USA. Vegas’ two-way wizard isn’t doing anything out of the ordinary through three 4 Nations Face-Off game but he’s quietly becoming America’s most trusted center.
(Credit: Sportsnet)
Eichel’s 4 Nation Face-Off Impact Per Game
Points: 1.33 (USA – 2nd)
Assists: 1.33 (USA – 2nd)
Shifts: 25 (USA – 1st)
Time On Ice: 21 Minutes (USA – 1st for Centers)
Face Off%: 55.5% (USA – 2nd for Centers)
Most people would immediately name Auston Matthews as Team USA’s top center. The numbers overwhelmingly favor the Maple Leafs captain but in a tight one-goal game, coaches will more than likely trust Eichel taking a crucial defensive face off. Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy routinely activates his top center in dire circumstances and it seems like Team USA’s coach Mike Sullivan is following the plan.
It all goes back to the 200-foot game and way he’s been able to develop in Vegas. He’s a defenseman’s dream. He’s always supporting the play and coming up the ice. His ability to take the puck from the defensive zone to the offensive zone so fluidly and effortlessly. We saw in on the Guentzel goal against Canada and how he was able to saucer it over like nothing. -Paul Bissonnette, TNT analyst
Team USA’s captain wasn’t on the ice down the stretch when the Americans were protecting a 2-1 lead. It was Eichel that handled an extended shift against the best six-on-five unit in the Universe. He frustrated the offensive magicians of the North and paved the way for a Team USA insurance goal. Come Thursday, I’m sure Sullivan will make the same call with or without Matthews in the lineup.
He’s definitely one of the most elite centers on the planet. I would put him up with Sasha Barkov. I think that his offensive flair might overshadow his defensive abilities. He is definitely one of the best 200-foot players in the planet right now. He’s oozing confidence. -Paul Bissonnette, TNT analyst
40 years ago the answer that was question was “YES!” when the United States hockey team pulled off the greatest upset in sports history defeating the Soviet Union en route to the 1980 Olympic gold medal.
Now, for the first time in nearly a decade, the entire team is getting back together to celebrate the most memorable game in hockey history, and they are doing it right here in Vegas.
What better place other than Lake Placid to celebrate your 40th than in Vegas? -Mike Eruzione, 1980 USA Olympic Team Captain
On February 22nd, exactly 40 years to the date, the Golden Knights are hosting every living member of 1980 USA Olympic team to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their monumental win in Lake Placid.
Any time I can get to see my teammates it’s exciting so I’m looking forward to it, especially on this special occasion. -Eruzione
The team will be at that night’s Golden Knights game vs. the Florida Panthers and will be included in a night-long anniversary celebration. Plus, a special season ticket member event is scheduled for the night before the game and an event open to the public is in the works for the afternoon on the 22nd.
We’d like to thank the Vegas Golden Knights for considering it and doing it, and obviously, as a team we’re excited about celebrating our 40th and it’s nice that somebody stepped forward and offered an opportunity for us to do it. Thanks to the Vegas Knights, the people of Vegas, the fans, and the season ticket holders. I know they’ll do a great job of promoting it and we’ll have some fun. -Eruzione
There are still tickets available to the game on the Golden Knights website, including a bunch on the “flight deck,” (standing room only tickets next to the castle) which is likely where the team will be hanging out for a majority of the night.
More information is expected to be announced by the team soon.
