The NHL has officially hit the pause button for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, but the action on the ice didn’t cool down until the final buzzer sounded last night. February 6, 2026, marks the first full day of the Olympic break, and the headlines are already exploding with trade fallout, injury news, and Olympic roster updates.
Before we shift our eyes to the international stage, we have to break down a wild night of hockey from February 5th, where playoff races tightened and stars made their final statements before heading to Italy.
Breaking NHL News: Olympic Pause & Trade Fallout
The Panarin Era Begins in LA: The biggest story shaking the league is Artemi Panarin’s immediate impact on the Los Angeles Kings. After a stunning trade from the Rangers, Panarin has reportedly signed a two-year extension. His presence is already being felt, shifting the power dynamic in the Western Conference just as the trade freeze locks in.
Huberdeau Out for Season: devastating news out of Calgary as Jonathan Huberdeau will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign following hip surgery. It is a massive blow to the Flames’ but it increases their chance of winning the 2026 NHL draft lottery.
Olympic Flag Bearers Named: The NHL is back at the Olympics, and the flag bearers have been announced. Leon Draisaitl (Germany), David Pastrnak (Czechia), and Nino Niederreiter (Switzerland) will have the honor of leading their nations during the Opening Ceremony.
NHL Game Scores & Notes: February 5, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights 4 – 1 Los Angeles Kings
- The Note: Vegas heads into the break hot, scoring four goals in the first period. Mark Stone was a force, tallying three points (1G, 2A) in the opening frame alone.
- Olympic Momentum: Jack Eichel also notched a goal and an assist, showing he is ready to lead Team USA.
Tampa Bay Lightning 6 – 1 Florida Panthers
- The Note: The Battle of Florida was one-sided. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 33 saves for his 5th straight win.
- Depth Scoring: The Bolts got goals from six different Olympians, proving their depth is championship-ready.
Carolina Hurricanes 2 – 0 New York Rangers
- The Note: Brandon Bussi was spectacular, earning a 16-save shutout. The Canes extend their point streak to 10 games.
- Rangers Struggles: The Rangers’ offense looked disjointed in their first game post-Panarin trade.
Washington Capitals 4 – 2 Nashville Predators
- The Note: Logan Thompson secured his 50th win as a Capital. Washington enters the break firmly in a playoff spot.
- Trotz Returns: Fans gave Barry Trotz a warm welcome in his return to D.C., though his Preds couldn’t secure the points.
Pittsburgh Penguins 5 – 2 Buffalo Sabres
- The Note: A dream debut for Avery Hayes, who scored twice in his first NHL game to sink the Sabres.
- Sabres Slide: Buffalo enters the break with more questions than answers as their playoff drought looms large.
New York Islanders 3 – 1 New Jersey Devils
- The Note: Bo Horvat played hero again, breaking a late tie to sweep the season series against the Devils.
- Clutch Factor: Horvat has now scored the game-winner in back-to-back contests.
Ottawa Senators 2 – 1 Philadelphia Flyers (OT)
- The Note: Tim Stützle called game in overtime, extending his goal streak to five games.
- German Engineering: Stützle heads to the Olympics as one of the hottest players on the planet.
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