The race for Lord Stanley’s Cup is about to resume.
For the last two and a half weeks, the NHL has been on hiatus for its Olympic break. Players in the North American pro hockey leagues were permitted to play in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, marking the first time since 2014 that the NHL allowed players to participate in the Olympics.
Now that the Olympics are over, with Team USA awarded the gold medals for both the men’s and women’s ice hockey tournaments, the NHL season is getting ready to hit “play” after its extended pause. There are still roughly two months left in the regular season to determine the Stanley Cup Playoff field.
Here’s what to know about the NHL’s return to action post-Olympics:
The NHL paused its schedule for nearly three weeks to allow players to participate in this year’s Winter Olympics. Regular-season action resumes on Wednesday, Feb. 25, with an eight-game slate.
During the Olympic break, teams have not been permitted to trade players ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
Here’s which teams are playing in the first NHL games back from the Olympic break on Feb. 25:
All times Eastern.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Hockey News