The 2025-26 NHL season has officially hit the pause button. As of today, February 7, 2026, the league has suspended play for the highly anticipated 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. For the first time since 2014, NHL players are packing their bags to represent their countries on the world’s biggest stage. The Opening Ceremony took place yesterday, and men’s ice hockey competition is set to begin on February 11.
While the focus shifts to international glory, the final night of NHL action on Thursday left fans with plenty to talk about. Teams scrambled for crucial points before the hiatus, and several Olympic-bound stars made sure to leave their mark before boarding planes to Italy.
Final NHL Game Scores & Notes from February 5, 2026
Before the freeze, the ice was on fire. Here is a recap of the final slate of games from Thursday, February 5, serving as the last NHL action you will see until February 25.
Tampa Bay Lightning 6 – Florida Panthers 1
- The Scoop: The “Battle of Florida” was all Bolts. Tampa Bay secured their fifth straight victory, dominating their state rivals.
- Key Stat: All six goals for the Lightning were scored by different Olympians, including Brandon Hagel (Canada) and Jake Guentzel (USA).
- Notes: Andrei Vasilevskiy made 33 saves. Unfortunately for Team Canada fans, it was confirmed that Brayden Point will miss the Olympics due to injury.
Carolina Hurricanes 2 – New York Rangers 0
- The Scoop: A defensive clinic at Madison Square Garden. The Canes head into the break on a high note, extending their point streak to 10 games.
- Key Stat: Goaltender Brandon Bussi earned the shutout, stopping all 16 shots he faced.
- Notes: Andrei Svechnikov dazzled with the game-opening goal.
New York Islanders 3 – New Jersey Devils 1
- The Scoop: The Islanders grinded out a massive road win at the Prudential Center to build momentum before the pause.
- Key Stat: Bo Horvat and Casey Cizikas provided the offense, while Ilya Sorokin stood tall in net.
- Notes: This win pushes New York into a better playoff position as they rest up for the sprint to the finish line in late February.
Vegas Golden Knights 4 – Los Angeles Kings 1
- The Scoop: Vegas royalty reigned supreme in this Pacific Division clash.
- Key Stat: Captain Mark Stone (Canada) and Jack Eichel (USA) both posted multi-point games, showing they are in peak form for Milano.
- Notes: Vegas heads into the break as one of the hottest teams in the West.
Washington Capitals 4 – Nashville Predators 2
- The Scoop: The Caps defended home ice with a solid performance.
- Key Stat: Goalie Logan Thompson secured his 50th career win.
- Notes: Tom Wilson scored, giving Team Canada another boost of confidence.
Ottawa Senators 2 – Philadelphia Flyers 1 (OT)
- The Scoop: A thriller in Philly ended in overtime.
- Key Stat: German superstar Tim Stützle buried the OT winner, extending his goal streak to five games.
- Notes: Stützle is looking like a serious threat for Team Germany at the Olympics.
Pittsburgh Penguins 5 – Buffalo Sabres 2
- The Scoop: The Penguins offense woke up in Buffalo, securing a convincing road victory.
- Key Stat: Arturs Silovs (Latvia) made 26 saves to win his fourth straight road start.
Stay Updated: NHL Trade Rumors & Olympic Hockey News
With the NHL roster freeze in effect and the trade deadline looming after the Olympics, the rumor mill is about to spin out of control. Will your favorite team make a splash when play resumes? Don’t miss a beat on the latest NHL Trade Rumors and Fantasy Hockey Predictions during the Olympic break.
Make sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks for daily updates from Milano Cortina and insider info on what GMs are plotting for March.
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