NHL season resumes with Tampa Bay Lightning leading playoff charge
Around 143 players departed their clubs to compete for gold on the international stage.
While some return as newly minted champions, others arrive nursing both physical injuries and the emotional toll of defeat.
However, a significant portion of the league remained in North America, benefiting from a rare mid-season hiatus.
Notably, Russian stars were barred from the tournament by the IOC and IIHF, granting high-profile names a controversial but valuable rest period.
Lightning strike form before break
The Tampa Bay Lightning appear best positioned to capitalise on the restart.
Jon Cooper’s side entered the hiatus on a five-game winning streak and hold a commanding lead in the Atlantic Division.
The Bolts have been imperious in recent months, winning 14 of their last 16 fixtures to sit on 78 points.
Their dominance has been fuelled by Nikita Kucherov, who leads the team with a staggering 91 points in just 51 games.
The Russian winger, along with goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, remained in Florida during the break while their peers travelled to Europe.
Vasilevskiy has been formidable between the pipes, recording 27 wins and a .920 save percentage.
Injury concerns and Olympic hangovers
Despite the rest for some, the Lightning face significant fitness questions regarding their returning Olympians.
Victor Hedman, the veteran Swedish defenceman, sustained an injury during warm-ups before his nation’s quarter-final defeat.
There are also concerns for forwards Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, who were ruled out of the Games entirely due to prior fitness issues.
Emotionally, the locker room presents a complex dynamic.
Coach Cooper and winger Brandon Hagel must recover from the sting of a final loss with Canada.
Conversely, trade deadline acquisition Jake Guentzel returns to the squad carrying an Olympic gold medal.
Projected playoff picture
As the sprint to the finish line begins, the post-season bracket is taking shape.
The current projections would see the Montreal Canadiens facing the Detroit Red Wings in an Original Six clash.
In the West, the Vegas Golden Knights are tracking to meet the Utah Mammoth.
Here is how the bracket stands as the puck drops on Wednesday:
- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins
- Montreal Canadiens vs Detroit Red Wings
- Carolina Hurricanes vs Buffalo Sabres
- Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders
- Colorado Avalanche vs Anaheim Ducks
- Minnesota Wild vs Dallas Stars
- Vegas Golden Knights vs Utah Mammoth
- Edmonton Oilers vs Seattle Kraken