Key Takeaways
- Canada’s B team could potentially bring home a medal, with a squad featuring players like Connor Bedard, Mark Scheifele, and Morgan Geekie.
- The Eastern Conference standings are highly competitive, with many teams clustered together and loser points being awarded frequently.
- Team USA’s Olympic roster has been criticized for leaving off high-scoring players like Jason Robertson and Alex DeBrincat.
- Players like Adam Fox and Steven Stamkos have been making headlines, with Fox being left off the Olympic roster and Stamkos experiencing a resurgence in goal-scoring.
- The NHL’s dress code policy has been relaxed, allowing players to wear more casual attire on game days.
Introduction to the Week in Hockey
A quick mix of the things we gleaned from the week of hockey, serious and less so, and rolling four lines deep. The week has been filled with exciting games, surprising snubs, and intriguing storylines. With the Olympic roster announcements, there has been much discussion about the players who made the cut and those who did not. Meanwhile, teams like the Buffalo Sabres have been making a push for the playoffs, and players like Connor Bedard have been making a strong case for themselves.
Canada’s B Team and Olympic Roster
The question of what color medal Canada’s B team would bring home is an intriguing one. With a squad featuring players like Connor Bedard, Mark Scheifele, and Morgan Geekie, it’s possible that they could make a deep run in the Olympics. However, with the condensed schedule in January and the likelihood of injuries, it’s possible that some of these players may end up on a plane to Italy. As Chicago Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill noted, it’s smart for him to speak his truth and back his guy, even if it means arguing for Bedard’s inclusion on the national squad.
Eastern Conference Standings and Competitive Balance
The Eastern Conference standings are a museum of illusions, with three-point games abound and loser points being awarded frequently. To climb the ranks takes a sustained run of consistent play and results, so beware. The Buffalo Sabres, for example, had an incredible 10-game winning streak, but it only brought them to the second wild-card spot. This highlights the competitiveness of the conference and the need for teams to be consistent in order to make a push for the playoffs.
Team USA’s Roster Construction and Criticisms
Team USA’s Olympic roster has been criticized for leaving off high-scoring players like Jason Robertson and Alex DeBrincat. GM Bill Guerin and his staff made a stylistic choice in favoring elite goaltending, stingy defending, and hard-checking, responsible forwards. While this may not be a bad formula, it’s possible that the team may struggle to generate offense, which could lead to blame on roster construction. As Adam Fox noted, he thought his play this year was worthy of inclusion on the Olympic squad, and it will be interesting to see how his relationship with coach Mike Sullivan is affected by this decision.
Players Making Headlines and Surprising Snubs
Players like Adam Fox and Steven Stamkos have been making headlines, with Fox being left off the Olympic roster and Stamkos experiencing a resurgence in goal-scoring. Stamkos had a slow start to the season, but he exploded for 12 goals and five assists in December. As Andrew Brunette noted, all goal-scorers can take off if they get some touches and get some goals. Meanwhile, Fox’s exclusion from the Olympic roster was a surprise, given his Norris Trophy-winning season last year.
Nashville Predators’ Resurgence and Roman Josi’s Impact
The Nashville Predators have been on a hot streak, going 10-4 in the final month of 2025. This has been a surprise, given that the team looked like it was headed for a lost season and a deadline selloff. However, with the return of Roman Josi from injury, the team has been able to climb over three Central Division foes and is now within a point of Utah. As Brunette noted, Josi’s impact is a given, and he’s a game-changer who can trigger quick, clean breakouts and start the offense from the back end.
Dress Code Policy and Casual Wear
The NHL’s dress code policy has been relaxed, allowing players to wear more casual attire on game days. While some teams have instituted limits, players are now allowed to wear nice sweats or tracksuits, rather than suits and ties. As the author noted, it’s strange to see players dressing down for games, but it’s also a reflection of the changing times and the desire for comfort and Practicality.
Matthew Schaefer and the Future of Hockey Canada
Finally, players like Matthew Schaefer are making a strong case for themselves as the future of Hockey Canada. Schaefer is an 18-year-old man logging nearly 24 minutes a night, taking hard matchups, and pacing 50 points for a team with playoff aspirations. As Doug Armstrong noted, Schaefer’s play is exemplary, and he’s a fantastic talent who brings you out of your seat every night. With his maturity beyond his years on and off the ice, Schaefer is definitely one to watch in the future.