The stage is set for a thrilling return to the international ice hockey scene. The world’s top NHL players are finally back, bringing their A-game to the Winter Olympics after a 12-year hiatus.
NHL players are back in the Winter Olympics after long hiatus
NHL Superstars are making a triumphant return to the Winter Olympics after a 12-year absence. The league had opted out of the 2018 and 2022 Games, driven by concerns over scheduling conflicts and the pandemic. This year, the NHL’s best are turning out in force, with every one of the league’s 32 teams sending at least one player to the Olympics (via CNN).
The Milano Cortina tournament features 12 nations competing for medals. The teams are split into three groups of four, with a round-robin stage setting the scene. The remaining eight teams are ranked 5-12 based on points and must participate in a single-game qualification match to proceed. Following the quarterfinals, the tournament adopts a traditional knockout format, concluding with the final match on February 22.
The Tampa Bay Lightning made their presence felt at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. The tournament started strong, with Erik Cernak leading Slovakia to a 4-1 win over Finland (via NHL). Victor Hedman and Pontus Holmberg joined the action later, helping Sweden beat host Italy 5-2. Hedman also scored his first Olympic goal in the process.
IOC Sports Director Pierre Ducrey is thrilled about the return of NHL players to the Winter Olympics. “It’s going to be extremely exciting. We’re very excited they are coming back,” he told reporters last month. “Twelve years – it was a lot of work from a lot of people to make sure this happens.”
Team USA kicks off their Olympic campaign against Latvia today, and coach Mike Sullivan mentioned the ice was a bit rough during practice, but that’s to be expected with all the teams using it. The game is set for 3.10 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock.
Originally reported by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory.
The post NHL Is Back in the Winter Olympics After 12 Years appeared first on Reality Tea.
Fonte: Leia a matéria original
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