It’s Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and the hockey world has collectively shifted its gaze from NHL arenas to the rinks of Milan, Italy. The NHL season has officially paused, making way for the highly anticipated return of best-on-best international hockey at the Winter Olympics. For the first time in over a decade, the globe’s premier talent is gathered on the same ice, ready to battle for national glory.
Olympic Storylines: Goalie Battles, Star Power, and Underdog Threats
As teams hit the ice for their final practices before the tournament begins, several key storylines are dominating the headlines. A major talking point is the contrast in the crease between the two North American powerhouses. Team USA boasts an embarrassment of riches with reigning NHL MVP Connor Hellebuyck, playoff stalwart Jake Oettinger, and the surging Jeremy Swayman. Meanwhile, Team Canada faces more uncertainty. With Jordan Binnington struggling domestically and other options having limited international experience, the pressure is on Canada’s netminders to silence the doubters.
The sheer star power assembled in Milan is undeniable. Fans will finally see the dream pairing of Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby donning the Canadian leaf together. Across the ice, Team USA is led by a golden generation including Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and the Tkachuk brothers, all hungry to end a gold medal drought dating back to the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” But it’s not just a two-horse race. European squads are packed with NHL talent, from Finland’s Dallas Stars quartet to Sweden’s deep roster featuring William Nylander.
Every tournament has its dark horses, and Team Slovakia is embracing the underdog role. With fewer NHL names on their roster, they are using the perceived lack of respect as fuel, looking to pull off upsets against the tournament giants. The stage is set for an unforgettable few weeks of hockey.
Hockey Scores from February 9, 2026
With the NHL taking its Olympic break, there were no league games scheduled for yesterday. However, the puck has already dropped for the women’s tournament in Milan. Here are the latest scores from the ice.
Women’s Olympic Hockey Results
Team USA 5 – Switzerland 0
Italy 3 – Japan 2
Germany 2 – France 1
Canada 5 – Czechia 1
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