The NHL heads into the Olympic break for the next couple of weeks. For Pittsburgh Penguins fans, it gives them a chance to watch the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League (AHL), as well as a handful of players from the NHL roster who will be representing their home countries in Italy. When will the four Penguins players competing in the Olympics be playing, and what roles will they be playing for their countries?
C Sidney Crosby- Canada
One of the most decorated players in the Penguins’ history will be playing in what is very likely his final Olympics for Canada this year, as Sidney Crosby looks to help Canada to a Gold Medal. Crosby has continued to show that he can play at a high level this season and has had great success representing Canada, earning a Gold Medal twice in his career (2010 and 2014). He will be looking to add more memorable moments to his career, which at the international level is headlined by his “Golden Goal” in the 2010 Gold Medal game against the United States.
After being named Canada’s captain for this year’s Olympics, it seems like Crosby will end up playing on the second line and will surely be looked to as a key player for his home country again. The international experience and success he brings to the lineup will be invaluable.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
When to Watch
Canada is in Group A for the 2026 Winter Olympics, along with host country Italy, Switzerland, and Czechia. They should have a strong chance to take the top spot in the group.
- Feb. 12- Czechia vs Canada (10:40 a.m. EST)
- Feb. 13- Canada vs Switzerland (3:10 p.m. EST)
- Feb. 15- Canada vs France (10:40 a.m. EST)
D Erik Karlsson/ W Rickard Rakell- Sweden
Another player who could be playing in his last Olympics, Erik Karlsson, has been a constant for the Swedes at the international level throughout his career. He has competed in three World Championships and will compete in his third Olympics. In the three Olympic appearances, Karlsson has racked up eight points in six games. He will likely be a key offensive player from the backend of the ice for Sweden, as well as on the power play.
Rickard Rakell is looking to put on a stronger showing than he did at the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he did not record a point in the two games he played in for Sweden. After returning from an injury earlier this season, he has regained form and could be a key factor for the Swedes at the Olympics. He has had solid showings internationally outside of the 4 Nations Face-Off, playing in two World Championships (16 points in 17 games) and three U-20 WJC (14 points).
When to Watch
Karlsson, Rakell, and the Swedes will be in Group B and will have stiff competition from Finland and Slovakia if they want to win the group. Group B could be the most exciting and competitive of the three groups at this year’s Olympics.
- Feb. 11- Sweden vs Italy (3:10 p.m. EST)
- Feb. 13- Finland vs Sweden (6:10 a.m. EST)
- Feb. 14- Sweden vs Slovakia (6:10 a.m. EST)
G Artūrs Šilovs- Latvia
After being acquired in the offseason from the Vancouver Canucks, Artūrs Šilovs has been solid for the most part in a Penguins jersey and will be representing Latvia at the Winter Olympics. He will likely be competing for the number one spot in the crease with Elvis Merzlikins (Columbus Blue Jackets).
Šilovs has been strong for the Latvians at the international level, including two World Championship appearances, with a 9-5-0 record, a 1.96 goals-against average (GAA), and a .929 save percentage (SV%). With a roster that will not be able to match that of countries like the United States, Šilovs could end up being relied upon to help keep the Latvians in games if he is to earn the starting spot in net.
When to Watch
Šilovs and Latvia have been placed in Group C along with Denmark, Germany, and the United States. As noted, they do not have a roster capable of outskilling a team like the Americans or Germans, but the Latvians have shown they can compete internationally.
- Feb. 12- Latvia vs United States (3:10 p.m. EST)
- Feb. 14- Germany vs Latvia (6:10 a.m. EST)
- Feb. 15- Denmark vs Latvia (1:10 p.m. EST)
Plenty of Skill From the Penguins at the Olympics
The Penguins organization will have four players who will certainly play major roles for their respective countries at this year’s Winter Olympics. For players like Crosby and Karlsson, this will likely be their last time competing at this level. Penguins fans should enjoy and cherish the games these two teams will play.
