The Vegas Golden Knights are entering the NHL's Olympic break with a mix of anticipation and concern, as the league pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. The Golden Knights have a significant representation at the Olympics, with eight players and head coach Bruce Cassidy (assistant coach for Team Canada) heading to Italy.

Golden Knights Headed to the Olympics

The Golden Knights' roster will be well-represented across multiple national teams. The players representing their countries are Mark Stone, Mitch Marner, and Shea Theodore for Canada; Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin for the United States; Tomas Hertl for Czechia; Rasmus Andersson for Sweden; and Akira Schmid for Switzerland.

A compelling storyline is the potential matchup between Golden Knights' captains Jack Eichel (USA) and Mark Stone (Canada) in the biggest rivalry in hockey. The preliminary round also features clashes between teammates, such as Canada (Stone, Theodore, Marner) against Czechia (Tomas Hertl).

Schedule and Healing Time

The Olympic break provides a much-needed respite for injured players. William Karlsson is out with a lower-body injury and is expected to return in March. Brandon Saad and Colton Sissons are also sidelined until after the break. This two-week window allows these players to recover without missing further game action.

Golden Knights' Last Games Before the Break

Prior to the Olympic break, the Golden Knights snapped a five-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Jack Eichel contributed a goal and an assist, while Ivan Barbashev scored for the fourth straight game. Cole Reinhardt, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Alexander Holtz also scored for the Knights, and Mark Stone had two assists. Goaltender Akira Schmid made 21 saves.

Following the win against the Canucks, the Golden Knights dominated the Los Angeles Kings in a 4-1 victory. Mark Stone had a goal and two assists, while Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev each had a goal and an assist. Adin Hill made 32 saves in the game.

Challenges and Opportunities

Coach Cassidy acknowledged the mixed impact of the Olympic break. While the rest is beneficial for some, the Olympic players will face a demanding schedule. The Golden Knights will play 18 games in 35 days upon their return, which could be particularly taxing on players who advance to the gold medal game.

Despite the challenges, the Golden Knights anticipate the return of defenseman Brayden McNabb after the break. The team also boasts a veteran core with a strong track record in March, holding an all-time record of 69-34-8.

Upcoming Schedule

The Golden Knights face a challenging five-game road trip after the Olympic break. They will face the Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, and Detroit Red Wings.

The Golden Knights' first game after the break is February 25 against the Los Angeles Kings.