The men’s ice hockey championship at the Milan Olympics has entered the knockout stages, with four games starting today, with the quarter-finals scheduled for Wednesday. So far, Canada, the United States, Slovakia and Finland have locked in the quarterfinals based on their performance in the group stage. The remaining eight teams will compete in the playoffs to select the other four quarterfinal teams.
The games will begin at 6:10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, with Germany taking on France and Switzerland taking on Italy. Then there’s the Czech Republic vs. Denmark at 10:40 a.m. ET, and finally Sweden vs. Latvia at 3:40 p.m. ET.
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Pen point…
The Penguins will have three Olympians competing on Tuesday as they all look to keep their medal hopes alive and advance to the quarterfinals. Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell will look to keep Sweden competitive and compete against Team USA, while taking on Arturs Silovs and Latvia. [Pensburgh]
The last time we watched the Pittsburgh Penguins play, Avery Hayes was making his NHL debut and scoring two big goals against the Buffalo Sabres. Hayes was sent back to the American Hockey League during the Olympics, but his return to the minor leagues may only be temporary. [Pensburgh]
Ville Koivunen has split time between the AHL and NHL this season as he continues to develop. Now in Wilkes-Barre, he’s scored 13 points in his past nine games to help the Little Penguins stay atop the standings for a playoff spot. [The Hockey News]
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In a classic move by Kyle Dubas, the Penguins paid a (relatively) low price for former first-round pick Egor Chinakhov, who was looking for a shot away from Columbus. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Chinahoff has looked every bit like the former first-round draft pick he was. [The Hockey News]
Another potential Dubas recycling project is guard Ilya Solovyov, who was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in January. After being scratched in the first three games following the trade, Solovyov has entered the lineup and hopes his spot will be permanent. [Trib Live]
If the Penguins were to make a move at the trade deadline, the asset they would be most willing to give up would appear to be draft picks, not their 2026 first-round pick, unless they’re rocked. Given their position in the table, it seems unlikely that any players will be involved. [The Athletic $$]
NHL News and Notes…
Brandon Bussi is the breakout star for the Carolina Hurricanes this season, and they’re not letting him get away with it. The Hurricanes and Bussey agreed to a three-year contract extension on Monday that will keep the former waiver wire pick-up in Raleigh long-term. [Sportsnet]
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Jeff Skinner will be looking for a new home when the NHL resumes play next week. Skinner and the San Jose Sharks have agreed to part ways, with the forward placed on waivers due to contract termination and becoming a free agent. [The Hockey News]
There wasn’t much doubt heading into the Olympics, but the United States and Canada will be competing for gold at the women’s championships after winning their respective semifinals on Monday. The gold medal game is scheduled for Thursday at 1:10 p.m. ET. [Yahoo!]
