Team USA Olympic Success Sends Inspiring Signal as NHL Season Resumes

Several of Team USA men’s hockey gold medalists are experiencing subpar NHL performances this season.

Gold medalists, Team United States, pose for a team photo during the medal ceremony following the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 22, 2026. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Coming on the heels of Team USA’s success at the Winter Games in Milano Cortina, there very well could be an “Olympic bounce” felt by Americans in the NHL.

The NHL schedule on Wednesday features eight games. On Feb. 8, after the last game, the NHL paused for its players to participate in the Winter Olympics in Italy. For many, the highly anticipated showdown pitting Team USA and Team Canada in men’s hockey would be the main event of the 17 days of international competition.