MIAMI – As the Miami Heat try to shake off their disappointment of avoiding another year of play-in tournament purgatory, head coach Erik Spoelstra will work on building consistency over the final 2o or so games of the season. While Spoelstra looks to lead the Heat, he will also have an even bigger task of leading Team USA in future international play, particularly at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where a big star recently advocated for playing.

Although there was some speculation about Durant not attending alongside stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the Houston Rockets star shrugged off that conversation to ESPN, adding that his eagerness to play has increased.

“Yeah, I want to play,” Durant said. “I would love to, but I have to be on top of my game, I want to perform on the field and make Grant and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team. I don’t want to — not just for seniority. I still want to prove I can help the team win. Today, yes, I feel like I’m going to put my name in that hat.”

If there’s anyone who loved hearing Duran’s comments, it was Spoelstra, as he said before Miami’s game with Houston on Saturday afternoon that the star embodies “the culture of USA Basketball.”

“I mean, it’s incredible for him to say that and that’s the culture of USA Basketball,” Spoelstra said. “You just want the best American players to raise their hand and say, I want to do this. And you can feel his passion to represent the country and America on the jersey. He’s been unbelievable in those competitions. But as far as him, what he’s doing right now, his game is timeless, it really is.”

Erik Spoelstra reacts to Kevin Durant saying he wants to play for Team USA in LA as he approaches 40 years old:

“I mean, it’s incredible for him to say that…”

Full response: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/ES4HSVbXIn

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 28 February 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on his experience with Kevin Durant on Team USA

Durant’s impact on Team USA Basketball is immense, as he is the men’s all-time leading scorer in Olympic competition and a four-time gold medalist. Currently 37, the star will be approaching 40 by the time of the 2028 Olympics, but there’s no doubt that Durant is still an elite player, as evidenced by his current stint in Houston.

Currently with the Rockets, Durant is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from deep. Spoelstra will highlight how timeless Durant’s game is and what he saw from the star when he was an assistant coach on the 2024 gold medal team.

“You look at what he does at this age, and you can book him for 26-plus, shooting 50 percent on jump shots,” Spoelstra said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re there or not. He’s a complete tactician in terms of his work ethic and practice. It’s a great lesson for all the young players coming into the league. Making shots is one thing, and really working on player development is another.”

“And I think it’s an accomplishment that we all had, you know, watching him work during the summer, six weeks after practice, before practice, the days in between, he’s going out there with intent,” Spoelstra continued. “You know, even at this age, trying to get better and improve, what a beautiful mentality to have, so he’s definitely added a lot to his team.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen what Spoelstra’s roster will be like for Team USA in 2028, with Durant having a good chance of being on the team.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is still out for a few more days as he recovers from the knee injury that has kept him out since before the All-Star break.

Curry missed all of his games in February after Jimmy Butler suffered a season-ending knee injury, leaving the Warriors without another star.

Curry’s health has been a concern for the Warriors over the past few seasons, as the 37-year-old guard’s body is breaking down due to his heavy mileage. Retirement may not be too far away for the two-time MVP.

Despite this, NBA insider Mark Spears claimed on ESPN’s “NBA Today” that Curry is still interested. to suit again For Team USA at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“Steph Curry is still interested in making his second Olympic appearance. He’ll be 40 at the time, but look, he’s a shooter. He’s the greatest shooter of all-time. Why wouldn’t you want that on your roster?” Spears said.

“He hasn’t come out yet. Let’s just say that.”

Mark Spears: “Steph Curry is still interested in playing in his second Olympics. He’s not out, let’s just say that” 👀 pic.twitter.com/cIqfLC0fSe

– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) 24 February 2026

Curry ultimately made his Olympic debut in Paris 2024, helping Team USA win the gold medal, highlighted by his stellar performance in the final against host nation France.

Curry has often said that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He confirmed on Team USA teammate LeBron James’ “Mind the Game” podcast that he’s not closing the door on playing in the Olympics again, especially since it will be played on home soil.

If he does indeed suit up in Los Angeles, Curry would banner a roster that could include Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics and Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks, among others.

Does anyone else still have Olympic fever? With the 2026 Winter Olympics coming to an end, meaning there will be no more afternoon curling tournaments, all of our attention is now focused on the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles, California. After seeing Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry win gold medals in France, could we see these three stars lead Team USA once again?

The spectacle dominated headlines and the basketball world in 2024. There was nothing better than watching these three greats win gold medals in France, and now, USA Basketball can do the same on home soil in two years.

“Golden Dagger!”

Steph Curry This is absolutely ridiculous. 🤯#parisolympics | 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/8hIN8tgmfK

– NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) 10 August 2024

However, with the 2024 Olympics over, it looks like this will be the last time we see LeBron, KD, and Steph playing together on the court. James told reporters he would be “watching from Cabo” and Curry said he “highly doubts it.”

After all, they are in the final stages of their respective careers, and it’s reasonable to believe that James won’t be in the NBA by the time of the next Olympics.

It’s never too early to consider what the future of USA Basketball will look like, especially now that Durant is hinting at playing in Southern California in two years, shortly after the conclusion of all winter programs in Italy.

Kevin Durant won’t close the door to the 2028 Olympics

When the 2024 Olympics ended and Team USA, led by Durant, James and Curry, won gold medals, everyone’s attention immediately turned to what the future of USA basketball would look like.

Cooper Flagg, who had not yet been drafted, was a popular choice for many to be one of the next to follow in the footsteps of the greats before him. Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker, two other key contributors to the 2024 Olympic team, were also early selections to become the team’s principal “captains”.

Maybe it’s the Olympic love in the air from this year’s Winter Games, but it doesn’t seem like there will be any major changes or a changing of the guard for Team USA just yet, especially after Durant made clear his stance on playing in Los Angeles to ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill.

“You guys, the media, have speculated,” Durant told ESPN about the story of Paris being the veteran athlete’s last Olympic race. “Where did that narrative, the last dance thing, come from? I didn’t say I wasn’t playing. LeBron said he wasn’t playing. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph.”

As far as actually playing, Durant’s answer was simple.

“Yeah, I want to play,” Durant said. “Today, yes, I feel like I’m going to put my name in that hat.”

Well, that settles the matter. Kevin Durant, who will be 39 years old and set to turn 40 in the summer of 2028, wants to play for the Stars and Stripes in the 2028 Olympics. Assuming he’s healthy and obviously doesn’t change his mind, Durant will be the team captain and take one of the 12 coveted roster spots to defend the gold medal in front of the American faithful.

Durant is very proud of American basketball and made his stance on USA vs. the World clear to ESPN.

“I don’t like to talk about the United States versus the European style of how you approach the game,” Durant explained. “‘France is coming for you.’ really? We beat up those boys.”

Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been the faces of basketball’s rapid evolution around the world, but USA Basketball continues to dominate on the world’s biggest stage every four years. Once again, Team USA will enter the 2028 Olympics as the favorites to win the gold medal, and Durant is ready to make that dream come true once again.

Whether Curry will join them is still a big question mark.

Will Stephen Curry join Kevin Durant in 2028?

Before 2024, Steph Curry has experienced basically everything possible in a Hall of Fame career.

He broke the league’s all-time 3-point record, won four NBA championships, led the league in scoring twice, won two MVP awards (one of which was the first unanimous selection), and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. But the one empty spot in Curry’s massive trophy cabinet was an Olympic gold medal.

Although he played for Team USA at the World Cup, Steph actually pushed to play in the 2024 Olympics, and he was one of the leading voices along with LeBron and Durant to get the best on this roster.

“Personally, it’s something I haven’t been able to experience: being an Olympian,” Curry told Endscape ahead of the 2024 Olympics. “Hopefully we win a gold medal. At this point in my career, it gives me a chance to be present in the moment and enjoy playing basketball. It’s a pure expression of the game.”

The United States won the gold medal as Curry expected, and he was the main reason the team defeated France in the gold medal game. If not for Curry’s heroics and iconic shots from the perimeter, Team USA would not have won the gold medal.

“It was the most surreal feeling, especially the way it ended,” Curry told The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II after the 2024 Olympics. “I felt like a kid again. A 12 out of 10 experience.”

If Curry had so much fun playing in Paris and winning a gold medal, what will it be like to play in Los Angeles and do it again next to Durant? Although LeBron will most likely not be on the team, there is a roster spot for Steph if he wants.

He will be 40 by the time the next Olympics begins, which is why it is too early to speculate about whether Curry will actually consider playing in the 2028 Summer Games. Ultimately, this will be a decision based on Steph’s overall health that year and where he is in his career, especially with the finish line on the horizon.

Durant clearly wants to play, and his words show he wants Steph out there with him, too. For now, we’ll assume that both of these legends will take the United States off their chest at least one more time, leaving 10 spots open for the remaining pool of American players.

Prediction of remaining players of 12-man Olympic roster

If we assume both Durant and Curry will lead Team USA at the 2028 Olympics, who else will be on this roster?

Edwards and Booker, as mentioned earlier, will hold their spots as long as they are healthy. Both stars played integral roles following Curry and Durant in Paris, and they will likely play bigger roles as they enter the primes of their respective careers in 2028.

Flagg is another safe choice, as he’s coming off his third NBA season and is better than ever. After practicing with Team USA in 2024, everyone involved with the program was already raving that he would one day lead the Americans.

Another guard who will likely receive one of the first calls up to play in Los Angeles is Cade Cunningham. Not only has he established himself as one of the best players in the East with the Detroit Pistons, but Cunningham has turned himself into a legitimate MVP candidate. Between his playmaking and scoring abilities off the dribble, Cunningham is the perfect guard for Olympic play.

This leaves six more spots open, some of which need to be filled with frontcourt talent.

Bam Adebayo is a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA, and is considered one of the best defensive centers in the world. He will be 31 by the time the next Olympic Games begin, and Adebayo will likely be the starting center for the Americans.

Even with the addition of Adebayo, USA Basketball will need even more height to match Wembanyama and other tall European players, which makes Chet Holmgren a viable option to make his Team USA debut after playing in the FUBA Under-19 Championship.

There is a very clear rivalry growing in the NBA between Holmgren and Wembanyama, and the Oklahoma City Thunder big man is one of the best rim protectors in the world.

The final center spot shouldn’t go to anyone other than Jalen Duren right now. In his fourth NBA season, Duren has become an All-Star big man with his toughness in the paint on both ends of the floor. Duran’s athleticism is evident when watching the international game, especially with his pick-and-roll connection with Cunningham.

There are three spots left, and with Erik Spoelstra replacing Steve Kerr on the sideline, he will want a strong, two-way player on the wing. Enter Jaylen Brown, who has already declared himself the best two-way player in the world and has taken his game to new heights since winning the 2024 Finals MVP.

Brown can score and defend like a top-10 player in the world, which is why he would be one of the key names on Team USA’s roster if the Olympics were starting right now.

Needing at least one more wing who can defend and score, Scottie Barnes stands out. Not only is Barnes viewed as one of the best all-around defenders in the league, but he serves as a “point forward” who can do a little bit of everything on the floor. With his quick instincts as a defender and ability to push the pace, Team USA will have the youth and athletic ability needed to keep up with the rest of the world.

And eventually, one spot is left, and it becomes very difficult to choose from all the remaining talent.

Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum were both on the 2024 Olympic team, but both players suffered major Achilles injuries in the 2025 playoffs. Jalen Johnson and Jalen Williams are two young forwards on the rise, but are they ready to help the country win a gold medal? Then there are All-Stars like Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey who will compete for spots.

If the Olympics were today, I would give Mitchell this last spot for two major reasons: dynamic scoring and perimeter shooting.

We saw how important it was for Curry and others to hit threes in the big time in the 2024 Olympics, and Mitchell is sixth in the NBA with 667 threes over the past three years. He is one of the best offensive players off the dribble in the NBA, and Mitchell’s unselfish play will be needed on this team.

So this is our initial projection for Team USA at the 2028 Olympics:

• Guard: Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, Donovan Mitchell
• Wing: Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Brown, Scottie Barnes, Cooper Flagg
• elder: Bam Adebayo, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Duren

Of course, this is not the official Team USA roster, and we’re likely to see some big changes over the next two years before the Summer Games in Los Angeles. Who knows whether Curry will actually play, and health could clearly impact the status of any player competing for a USA Basketball roster spot.

Needless to mention, this year’s 2026 NBA Draft class has a chance to be one of the most historic in league history. Darin Peterson, Cameron Boozer, AJ DiBantsa, Caleb Wilson and Kingston Flemings, among others, could easily make their mark on the NBA like Flagg and earn their spots on the Olympic team.

After all, age matters in the Olympics, and the roster is usually made up of players in their mid- to late 20s. Obviously, the 2024 Olympics was a unique event, because the average age of the new-age “Dream Team” assembled by James, Durant and Curry was 30.1 years old.

The Team USA roster in 2028 will be much younger, faster and more athletic. If Durant and Curry are to lead this team and defend their gold medals one last time, we should expect to see a group of 12 players that resembles the fantasy team assembled above.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics over, the countdown to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles has officially begun.

Jack Hughes almost didn’t get the chance to become an American hero.

Sitting in the penalty box late in the third period of Sunday’s 1-1 gold-medal game against Canada, the superstar New Jersey Devils forward was more likely to lose the game to the United States than win the game for his country.

“I took my picture on a barstool [Sports] Like America hates that guy because Canada scores on the power play,” Hughes said after the game. “I was saying ‘Oh my God, it’s here.’

“I’m glad we got out of the pickle I got us into.”

Still, when Hughes’ teammates picked him up, he made sure to return the favor by capping a big turnover at both ends of the rink with the game-winning goal at 1:39 of overtime in the United States’ 2–1 overtime win over Canada at the Milan Santagiuliano Arena, sealing the USA’s first gold medal since 1980.

Most Devils fans who were “done” with Jack Hughes before the tournament may need to placate them with a “sorry Jack” chant given the Lindy Ruff treatment during the 2022-23 season, especially if he uses his first Olympics as a springboard for the rest of this season and beyond.

Hughes finished with four goals and seven points and led the Americans in both categories. He tied with Nathan MacKinnon (Canada) and Juraj Slafkowski of Slovakia for the second-most goals among all players.

“I think Jack had a great tournament,” USA coach Mike Sullivan said after the game. “The goals he scored were big-time goals. … I think Jack was at the center of a lot of good things that happened for our team. He’s a high-risk player. He played at his best when the stakes were highest.”

Hughes proved his coach’s point by scripting two elite plays that saved the Americans and allowed himself to cement his legacy in USA Hockey history.

defense on conor mcdavid

Hughes did not start overtime on the ice, but he left for the Americans’ third shift of the extra session.

His first overtime job? Playing defense against the best player in the world.

That’s Connor McDavid attacking Hughes and the US net with gusto. He took the puck from his linemate and broke free to Canadian star Maclin Celebrini at his own blue line.

“I came right off the bench,” Hughes said, before addressing Sullivan, “You were probably liking it, right Sully?” McDavid is coming at me.

McDavid eats up even elite-level NHL defensemen in this kind of rush every night. He has 96 points in 58 games this season and is averaging 1.5 points per game for his decade-plus in the NHL and was named MVP of the tournament after leading the entire Olympic field with 13 points.

And in this game he’s being defended by a 5-11, 175-pound forward.

“When the best player in the world — maybe ever — comes at you in overtime in the gold-medal game and you’re on the forward, my first thought was ‘I’ve got to gap up,'” Hughes said, “and I was like ‘I can’t gap up, he’ll come right at me.’

Still, Hughes did what he needed to do to slow down McDavid and disrupt any potential scoring opportunities.

“He did a great job,” Sullivan said. “He recognized that he had no opportunity to pay attention to it. He just absorbed it. I think he did a great job defending her.”

“I just dunked and hopefully he couldn’t get around me because there wasn’t enough space between me and the net,” Hughes said. “Honestly that’s what happened.”

poke check on black makar

Hughes’ second defensive play may be lost compared to McDavid’s body and the golden goal. But his help in getting out of the defensive zone was no less important.

Hughes deflected the puck away from McDavid and took it into the back of the net before hitting the puck past USA defenseman Zach Werenski. But the forechecking McDavid put pressure on Werenski and he delivered a soft backhand pass to Hughes on the way out of the zone.

Still, the dark caper at the blue line – the defenseman’s Connor McDavid – was in sight. Makar was named one of two defenders on the All-Olympic team, along with Jack’s brother Quinn Hughes, as he had six points in six games and Canada’s only goal in the gold medal game.

Werenski was breaking out of the USA defensive zone to make offensive plays. So if Makar intercepts the pass — or even makes a strong tip of it — McDavid is all alone on goalie Connor Hellebuyck and scores the OT winner for the second time in as many best-on-best tournaments.

Nevertheless, it was Hughes who managed to beat Makar and Werenski to create a three-on-one that ultimately led to his goal.

Finding and scoring cool ice

The puck went all the way into the USA offensive zone, where Werenski won the puck battle from Nathan MacKinnon. Dylan Larkin went to back up Werenski, while McDavid defended, and Hughes made a layup to get into prime scoring territory.

With Makar trailing in the game, Werenski found Hughes. Hughes beat Binnington with a snip between the pads, which certainly reminded Devils fans of what has made them one of the NHL’s elite 3-on-3 overtime teams over the past three seasons.

Hughes’ goal would change his life. Still, after scoring possibly the greatest goal in American hockey history, he was more focused on fulfilling a dream and doing the same with his USA Hockey brethren.

“We’re a great team,” Hughes said. “We wanted to go through Canada and beat them, and it could have gone either way tonight, but it’s an incredible win for the Americans.”

Pat Pickens is an award-winning sports writer and author who has covered the NHL since 2013. He reveals more about Pat Pickens.

Calle Makar, Quinn Hughes, Miro Heiskanen, Roman Josi and Rasmus Dahlin are some of the best defensemen in the NHL. All play for their respective countries in the 2026 Winter Olympics, making them among the best blueliners in the world. And yet, during the preliminary rounds, none of them rank as top defenders in the offensive zone. That ranking goes to New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec.

This is correct. The 22-year-old blueliner was taken second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft and is proving to be an international phenomenon. After all, there’s a reason why the devils took him so high when he was only 18 years old.

Nemec’s exposure at the international level is nothing new. He scored one goal and nine points in eight games at the U18 World Juniors in 2022, leading Slovakia to the gold medal.

He has been a major contributor for Slovakia at all levels during the international game leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics, and he is continuing on that path this winter.

Slovakia was the biggest surprise among the winners of their group. Everyone expected Team USA and Team Canada to earn byes. A good performance was also expected from Finland. However, they were not expected to earn a bye as the best second-place team in the tournament. That’s because Slovakia ruined his and Sweden’s plans by winning Group B.

A lot of the oxygen around Slovakia is taken up by Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky.

Three goals and three assists in three games will do that for the 21-year-old Habs star.

However, where Slafkowski has dominated among the forwards, Nemec has been doing the same on the blueline.

His raw stats don’t jump off the page like Slafkowski’s with two assists in three games. However, according to Jeffres Viz HockeyStats, Nemec is the top chance-creating defenseman in the Olympics.

Through three games in the prelims, Nemec created an average of two scoring chances and made 3.7 chance assists for a total of 5.7 chance creation. This is 1.4 more chances than the next leading creator (Dahlin) in the tournament.

And the most interesting thing about Nemec’s success at the Olympic level is the competition she had to go through to do so. Sure, Slovakia beat Italy, but they also had to overcome Sweden and Finland, and Nemec had a lot to contribute to their success and earning a bye into the quarterfinals.

Nemec has been playing top pairing duties next to Washington Capitals defenseman, Martin Fehrvary. The Devils defenseman has taken on the responsibility as Slovakia’s No. 1 blueliner, averaging 22 minutes on ice per game.

The Devils will need to take some notes on how he has been unlocked in Milan and apply them when Nemec gets back to New Jersey as soon as possible.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

The preliminary round is over and the games are about to go up a notch in Milan. The 2026 men’s Olympic ice hockey tournament has been quite entertaining so far. Which of the seven New Jersey Devils representing their respective countries is seeing their stock rise, versus fall?

Standings are set. Canada and the United States were the only undefeated teams in the first three matches of the tournament, winning their respective groups. Slovakia also won their group, defeating both Sweden and Finland. And Finland earned a bye into the quarterfinals as the best second-place team in the tournament.

Some devils have done more than others.

Let’s take a look at the barometer heading into the play-in round.

Devil’s Stock Up

jack hughes

Jack Hughes is silencing his critics. Hands up, I was one of them. And good on them. The Devils star needed to prove that he wasn’t just there to keep his brother, Quinn Hughes, happy in the eyes of America and the Minnesota Wild GM.

Hughes is reminding the Devils faithful that they probably weren’t happy with him before the Olympic break because he wasn’t there when New Jersey needed him most.

The Devils star has scored one goal and two assists in three matches so far. He is one of the top opportunity creators for Team USA in a limited role, which has seen him skate 13 minutes or less in each of the first three games of the tournament, a far cry from his season average of 20:57 with the Devils.

Hughes is not only showing off his offensive mobility, but he has become a pest in the neutral and defensive zones as a former checker. Number 86 is still making a name for himself on the world stage. And with their toughest competition yet, Devils fans want to see this version of Jack succeed, and then bring this championship back to New Jersey with him.

simon german

Everyone is excited about Simon Nemec, and rightfully so. Nemec is proving to be an international powerhouse, and his chemistry with countryman Juraj Slafkowski continues to be a factor.

Skating in the No. 1 role, Nemec has two points in three games for Slovakia. Both of his assists were primary dishes for Slafkovsky in meaningful moments, helping Slovakia win their group and earn a bye into the quarterfinals.

Nemec is proving everything the Devils brass are still unsure about. He has top pair size, displays poise with the puck on his stick, transition ability, responsible play in the defensive zone and a touch for playmaking.

His play in Milan is certainly similar to what the Devils saw from Nemec in their last international game. That’s why he was taken second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

When Nemec was first given an increased role in New Jersey, we saw him flourish. He seems to be struggling in fewer and fewer roles, although those struggles are becoming less frequent. Nevertheless, he is good for the occasional mistakes that lead the opposition to scoring opportunities. We’ve seen it once or twice in Milan too. But come on. He is competing against the best players in the world.

One thing has become clear. The 22-year-old defenseman can still reach a high ceiling and scouts always believed he had gotten there. He needs a bigger role in New Jersey.

Timo Mayer

This is the Timo Meier the Devils wanted. He shows his intensity in New Jersey, but often cools down and remains idle for long periods of time.

But not in Milan.

Meier has three goals and one assist, which ranks him 10th overall in points in the tournament.

He is scoring as a volume shooter and remains Switzerland’s top chance creator. Additionally, he continues to win his puck battles down the middle, struggle for net-front presence, forecheck responsibly, and prove that he is a viable puck transitioner.

Meier’s unique talent is being showcased globally. There must be some way to unlock it in New Jersey.

neutral stock

jacob markstrom

Jacob Markstrom’s got a short runway. He played in one of three games for Sweden and helped them win their last game in the prelims. However, a mistake in the final seconds cost Slovakia a goal that could have affected their ranking.

It was canceled after Finland scored 11 goals anyway. However, this is not the first time Markstrom has missed a key moment this year.

Nevertheless, Markstrom still managed to manage a .906 SV% against Slovakia and was solid for the most part.

Let’s see what happens in the Swede’s net because games matter most right now, but it appears Markstrom remains in line to own the cage.

Nico Hischier and Jonas Seigenthaler

Nico Hischier only has one point in the tournament, but it’s not for lack of effort.

In Sunday’s 4-3 overtime win over Czechia, Hischier assisted on Meyer’s goal to give Switzerland a 2-0 lead. However, the secondary tally remains his only points so far in the tournament.

Nevertheless, he managed approximately 2.5 chances for himself and 2.5 chances for his teammates in the win. Against Canada, it was a little more of a struggle, but still had two chances overall in the game. I mean, this is Canada after all.

But still, after Switzerland’s first defeat of the tournament against France, he left with a total of seven scoring chances (four for himself, three for his teammates), and is overall a net positive in the creation department.

On the blueline, Jonas Seigenthaler remains on top-pairing duties alongside Roman Josi. He hasn’t recorded any points, but that’s not his game. Seigenthaler’s consistent home presence has helped Switzerland post a 1-1-1 record through the prelims, with the likely outcome being that the Swiss will face Finland in the quarterfinals following the Italy vs. Italy play-in game.

devil’s stock down

jasper bratt

Is it really Jespers Bratt’s fault too? Sweden head coach Sam Hallum has drawn some criticism over the way he has deployed his roster.

Sweden started with Filip Forsberg as the odd-man out. Now, heading into the play-in against Latvia, it appears Bratt is the 13th forward.

The Devils forward will still dress, but he is unlikely to spend much time on the ice, as he was benched for the entire match against Slovakia.

In three games, Bratt earned one assist. After the first two days of the tournament, Bratt was one of the top chance scorers in Milan, creating a total of nine chances in Sweden’s first game against Italy. Yet, against Finland, when the game became more physical, he was shut down, allowing only two chances in 60 minutes.

Bratt’s chances against Slovakia ended due to Hallam’s reluctance to play the Devils forward.

So, is it Bratt or Hallam’s fault that the Devils forward’s stock has fallen here?

Everyone is looking to point the finger, but it’s probably a bit of both.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

The 2026 Winter Olympics are here, and after a 12-long wait, NHL players are in attendance. The preliminary round came and went, setting the stage for four more elimination games on Tuesday and four more on Wednesday.

Eight players from the Vegas Golden Knights organization and head coach Bruce Cassidy are also representing their countries in Milan. Jonas Rondbjerg was also scheduled to represent Denmark, and was one of the first six players named to the roster. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury two games before the Olympic break and is on IR.

Due to the infuriating time zone difference – Milan is nine hours ahead of Vegas – there’s a good chance you missed some (or all) of the preliminary round.

I confess, I left every game at 3:10am. But because we live in a beautiful new age of technology, I was able to go back and watch replays on Peacock. Thanks, peacock!

So, if you haven’t had a chance to see the nine Golden Knights don their nations’ colors and take to the ice in Milan, don’t fret. I’ve got you covered.

team usa

Let’s start with the home team, shall we? The Golden Knights have two representatives playing for Team USA, and both are important in their own right.

Through three games of group play, Jack Eichel has easily become one of the best forwards for Team USA. For a two-way center like Eichel, offensive stats don’t tell the whole story — but they’re impressive. He has one goal and three assists and has registered 12 shots on net.

Team USA may have the best or at least the deepest defensive squad in the tournament. So, Noah Hanifin hasn’t been asked to do ‘too much’. He averages only 11:09 TOI, but has been excellent in his limited role. Hanifin has a goal and two points in three games and has been very physical.

Despite some weak performances, Team USA advanced out of the preliminary round with nine points and a perfect record of 3–0–0–0. Thus, they received a bye into the quarterfinals and will face either Sweden or Latvia on Wednesday at 12:10 pm PST.

team sweden

One Swedish player comes from the Golden Knights, and it is their newest player, Rasmus Andersson.

With all the talented offensive defensemen on Team Sweden – Erik Karlsson, Rasmus Dahlin and Victor Hedman – Andersson isn’t very high in the pecking order. This resulted in a less than ideal performance on the global stage.

In two games where he averaged 16:03 TOI, Anderson failed to register a point and was -2. This resulted in a good defeat against Slovakia on Saturday.

Despite their six points and 2-0-1-0 record, Sweden has yet to play up to expectations. There is still time to rally and try for a medal, but they will have to do it the hard way.

Sweden will play Latvia in an elimination game on Tuesday at 12:10 pm PST. The winner will face Team USA in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

team czechia

Because they are in a strong group, Czechia will have to work hard during the preliminary round to earn a bye into the quarterfinals. Unfortunately for Czechia this has not really happened.

Despite playing on the top line alongside David Pastrnak, Hertl has not been able to find his stride. He is yet to register a point in the tournament. However, this has not been for lack of effort – he has registered nine shots on goal. In all fairness, he is averaging 19:29 TOI, which is two minutes more than he played with the Golden Knights.

It’s not just Hertl who is struggling. Despite having a talented roster, Czechia has yet to find its place. After the preliminary round, they have four points and a record of 1-0-1-1.

Team Czechia will take on Denmark on Tuesday at 7:40 am PST; The winner will advance to the quarterfinals to play Team USA on Wednesday.

team switzerland

The Olympics are about unexpected success stories; This year this honor goes to Switzerland.

Schmid started only one game for Switzerland; Unfortunately, it was against the biggest power: Canada. He made 34 saves – including a real beauty against Sidney Crosby on a breakaway – but allowed five goals and finished with a .872 save percentage.

However, Switzerland did not let their loss to Canada affect their tournament. With five points and a record of 1-1-1-0, they have been the Olympics’ success story.

They play Italy on Tuesday at 3:10am PST; The winner will face Finland in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

team canada

Hey, Canada; Our home and native land. It is too early to say whether they are certain to win the gold medal, but it will take a spectacular performance to defeat them. They’re firing on all cylinders, and all three Golden Knights are attacking.

Mark Stone, Mitch Marner and Sidney Crosby joined forces to form the strongest third line in the tournament. All three players have at least four points, and this is by no means a case of Crosby drawing a low line in the battle.

In three games, Stone recorded two tallies—one, a shorthanded strike, standing as the game-winning goal—and four points. He was +4, played on both special teams units and averaged 15:36 TOI.

Stone’s familiar classmate Marner has been equally influential. After three games, he has yet to score a goal, but has claimed two assists and is +5. Marner also played on both special teams units and averaged 15:46 TOI.

Finally, there’s Shia Theodore. With such a star-studded team, Canada didn’t ask for any heroics from Theodore. He’s averaging just 15:46 TOI through three games, much less than his 23:42 in Vegas this season. However, he has been both effective and influential. Theodore recorded one assist and is +2. He also quarterbacks the second power play unit.

With nine points and a perfect 3-0-0-0 record, Canada receives a bye into the quarter-finals. They will face either Czechia or Denmark on Wednesday at 7:40 am PST.

Hannah Kirkel is a beat writer who covers the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas Hockey Now on SportsNote. She studied more about Hannah Kirkel