The NHL entered the Olympic break after games concluded on February 5. The competition remains on pause until February 25 due to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
The fear of the Playoff bubble
As the NHL hits the pause button, the Washington Capitals find themselves in a precarious position. From the break (February 5) they are roughly seated four points outside a wildcard spot. The team faced a “sprint to the break,” including a critical loss to the Philadelphia Flyers (4-2) on February 3, which complicated their path. This 17-day break will be filled with scoreboard watching and concerns about whether they can generate enough momentum upon return to catch the Flyers or New York Islanders in the Metropolitan Division race.
Team Canada’s Capitals contingent
For the first time in franchise history, the Capitals will have players representing Team Canada in the Olympics.
Tom Wilson made the roster as a power forward, recognized for his ability to play heavy minutes and kill penalties. He currently leads the Capitals in goals this season (23 goals as of Feb. 3).
Logan Thompson was selected as one of the Canadian goaltenders. He will try to prove that he belongs on the international stage.
The ‘Ovechkin calm’ factor
Alex Ovechkin will not compete in the Olympics due to the IIHF’s continued ban on Russia and Belarus from international competition. While this is disappointing for fans who want to see him on the world stage, this is a huge potential benefit for the Capitals. The 40-year-old captain, who did 22 goals this seasonis now getting more than two weeks of rest. This recovery time could be the deciding factor in whether he has the legs to get Washington back into the playoffs in March and April.
Martin Fehérváry’s heavy workload
Defender Martin Fehérváry becomes one cornerstone for Team Slovakia. Unlike the Capitals, where he plays a specific shutdown role, he will likely be asked to play huge minutes in all situations for Slovakia. Caps management will be watching closely, hoping he returns healthy and not burned out for the latter part of the NHL season.
Related – Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Capitals Players Olympic Schedule This Week
| Date | Time (ET) | Match up | Capitals players involved |
| Wednesday February 11 | 10:40 am | Slovakia vs. Finland | Martin Fehérvary (SVK) |
| Thu February 12 | 10:40 am | Canada vs Czech Republic | Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson (CAN) |
| Fri Feb 13 | 6:10 am | Slovakia vs. Italy | Martin Fehérvary (SVK) |
| Fri Feb 13 | 3:10 PM | Canada versus Switzerland | Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson (CAN) |
| Sat February 14th | 6:10 am | Slovakia vs. Sweden | Martin Fehérvary (SVK) |
| Sun February 15 | 10:40 am | Canada versus France | Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson (CAN) |
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