The NHL regular season might be paused for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, but the NHL news cycle is spinning faster than ever. From devastating injuries altering the trade market to historic international milestones, February 20, 2026, is a day packed with monumental updates for hockey fans around the globe.
USA Women Take Gold, Men’s Semifinals Bring Drama
Before we dive into the men’s tournament, we have to look back at the incredible action from Thursday, February 19. In a game for the ages, the United States Women’s National Team captured Olympic Gold, defeating Team Canada 2-1 in a nail-biting overtime thriller. Megan Keller was the hero, burying the game-winner just 4:07 into the extra frame. It was a massive moment that even inspired NHL stars—brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes watched from the stands, celebrating the victory alongside their mother, Ellen, who served as a consultant for the victorious U.S. squad.
🏒 February 19, 2026: Key Olympic Hockey Scores
- Women’s Gold Medal Game: Team USA 2, Team Canada 1 (OT)
- Men’s Quarterfinal: Team Canada 4, Team Czechia 3 (OT – Marner GWG)
- Men’s Quarterfinal: Team USA 2, Team Sweden 1 (OT – Hughes GWG)
Now, the focus shifts to the Men’s Semifinals on Friday, February 20, and the NHL news is absolutely rocking the hockey world. The biggest shockwave? Canadian captain Sidney Crosby has officially been ruled out of the highly anticipated semifinal matchup against Team Finland. Crosby suffered a lower-body injury during Canada’s dramatic 4-3 overtime quarterfinal victory against Czechia.
With Crosby sidelined, Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid has stepped up to wear the ‘C’ for Canada. McDavid isn’t just leading the locker room; he is making history on the ice. He recently notched his 12th point of the tournament, setting a brand-new Olympic record for the most points in a single games involving NHL players.
In the other semifinal bracket, Team USA is gearing up to face a resilient Team Slovakia. The Americans survived a massive scare against Sweden in the quarterfinals, grinding out a 2-1 overtime win thanks to a clutch goal from Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes.
While the international stage provides endless thrills, the ripple effects are being felt deeply back in NHL front offices. A devastating blow struck the Los Angeles Kings as forward Kevin Fiala suffered a fractured lower left leg while playing for Switzerland. With the NHL trade deadline rapidly approaching, this tragic injury instantly fuels new NHL trade rumors as the Kings suddenly find themselves with significant cap space and a glaring hole in their top-six forward group.
Finding the latest NHL news, NHL trade rumors, Fantasy Hockey Predictions
Whether you are tracking Sidney Crosby’s injury status, hunting for the most up-to-date NHL trade rumors as the deadline nears, or looking for an edge with your Fantasy Hockey Predictions, we have you covered. The Olympic break has proven that the hockey world never sleeps, and staying informed is the only way to stay ahead of the game. Add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below to get the freshest insider scoops delivered straight to your inbox.
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The post Latest NHL News & Olympic Hockey Scores: February 20, 2026 appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
