NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Olympic Impact on NHL
Team USA espn.com captured gold with a thrilling overtime victory against Canada, marking their first Olympic hockey championship since the Miracle on Ice in 1980. Sidney Crosby espn.com sat out Canada's lineup for the gold medal game, a decision that ultimately cost his team the championship.
Olympic Medal Results
Finland espn.com secured bronze with a dominant 6-1 victory over Slovakia, claiming their third consecutive Olympic medal with NHL players participating. Mikko Rantanen espn.com returned from the Olympics nursing a lower body injury that will keep him out of at least one game for the Stars.
Olympic Aftermath
Brady Tkachuk espn.com described the intense rivalry with Canada as having "hatred there" on the eve of the gold medal game. The U.S. team honored Johnny Gaudreau's memory espn.com throughout their Olympic run, adding emotional significance to their championship victory.
Olympic Standouts
Jaromir Jagr espn.com hinted at retirement after his 38th professional season with his hometown Kladno Knights. Jack Hughes delivered the game-winning goal in overtime to secure gold for Team USA, cementing his status as an Olympic standout.
NHL Fantasy Impact
The Olympic break has created opportunities for fantasy hockey pickups, with Dostal and Laferriere espn.com emerging as post-Olympics must-add players. Some NHL players returned from the Games frustrated despite the honor of representing their countries, while others carried momentum back to their professional teams.