Digesting the Olympics, Team USA's legacy, Restart storylines, Trade Deadline looms

Digesting the Olympics, Team USA's legacy, Restart storylines, Trade Deadline looms

Author: National Hockey League February 25, 2026 Duration: 38:18

Back from Milan,  Dan and Shawn digest the Olympic tournament and the impact of it, including taking a look at the legacies of Connor Hellebuyck, Jack Hughes and Auston Matthews, and how they’re forever changed by what they did with Team USA.
They discuss the lasting impact of Team USA winning gold and Hughes’ golden goal.
The also talk about why Team Canada couldn’t get the extra goal in the gold medal game. They also move on to the NHL season restarting Wednesday with Stanley Cup Playoff races heating up and the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline coming into focus.... 

 Some topics discussed and debated:

* Will the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets be able to climb the standings with players like Jack Hughes and goalie Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey, and Hellebuyck for the Jets coming back with confidence?

* Is it realistic given the injuries and number of players coming back from the Olympics for the Florida Panthers to get on a run to make the playoffs?

* Are the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres going to end long playoff droughts? And does the hockey world now fully understand the value of Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin and Sabres forward Tage Thompson based on their performances at the Olympics for Team USA?

* What is the impact of Sidney Crosby’s injury on the Penguins?


From the offices of the National Hockey League comes NHL @TheRink, a direct feed from the heart of the sport. This isn't just another hockey podcast; it's the league's own audio channel where the conversation is as fast-paced and nuanced as the game itself. You'll hear unfiltered analysis from insiders, players, and executives who live the NHL every day, breaking down everything from the subtle strategy behind a critical line change to the broader narratives shaping the regular season and the march to the Stanley Cup. The discussions go beyond the scores, delving into the personalities, the history, and the evolving culture of professional hockey. Tune in for a genuine, authoritative perspective that only the league itself can provide, offering listeners a rink-side seat to the stories that matter. Each episode serves as a comprehensive look at the current state of the game, making this podcast an essential listen for anyone who wants to understand the NHL from the inside out.
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