Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament Knockout Stages
On February 15, 2026, the Olympic Men’s ice hockey tournament kicked off its knockout stages in Milan, Italy, starting with four crucial matches that will determine which teams advance to the Quarterfinals on Wednesday. So far, the quarterfinal spots have been secured by Canada, the United States, Slovakia, and Finland following their successful performances in the group stage. This leaves eight teams to compete in a playoff battle today, with hopes to clinch the remaining four spots.
Match Schedule
The first set of matches is scheduled for 6:10 AM EST, featuring Germany taking on France and Switzerland facing off against Italy. Following these games, Czechia will go head-to-head with Denmark at 10:40 AM EST, and Sweden will conclude the day’s events against Latvia at 3:40 PM EST.
Pittsburgh Penguins Players in Action
Three players from the Pittsburgh Penguins are in action today, all aiming to keep their medal dreams alive. Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell will represent Sweden, facing Arturs Silovs and Latvia, with aspirations for a potential matchup against the United States in the next round.
Pittsburgh Penguins Updates
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting the Pittsburgh Penguins’ recent activities. Avery Hayes made his NHL debut scoring two goals in a game against the Buffalo Sabres, but he has since returned to the AHL for the Olympic break, where he might be shortly back in the NHL. Another prospect, Ville Koivunen, is making his mark in the AHL with 13 points across nine games, aiding the Baby Penguins in their playoff push.
In roster news, the Penguins acquired former first-round draft pick Egor Chinakhov from Columbus, who has started to show promise since his trade. Additionally, defenseman Ilya Solovyov, acquired from the Colorado Avalanche, hopes to secure a permanent spot on the team after initially being a healthy scratch.
Trade Deadline Outlook
Looking ahead to the trade deadline, it’s likely that the Penguins are willing to consider parting with draft picks, although their 2026 first-round selection is reportedly off the table unless an extraordinary offer is presented.
NHL News
In broader NHL news, the Carolina Hurricanes have signed breakout star Brandon Bussi to a three-year contract extension following his impressive performance this season. Conversely, Jeff Skinner has been placed on waivers by the San Jose Sharks, signaling the end of his stint with the team as he becomes a free agent.
Women’s Tournament Update
As for the women’s tournament, both Team USA and Team Canada have advanced to the gold medal game after successful semifinal matches on Monday, with the climactic showdown set for Thursday at 1:10 PM EST, highlighting the longstanding rivalry between these two hockey powerhouses.
