The NHL entered its Olympic Break after games concluded on Feb. 5. The league will remain paused until Feb. 25 to accommodate the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
The Playoff Bubble Anxiety
As the NHL hits the pause button, the Washington Capitals find themselves in a precarious position. As of the break (Feb. 5), they are sitting roughly four points outside of a wild card spot. The team faced a “sprint to the break” that included a critical loss to the Philadelphia Flyers (4-2) on Feb. 3, complicating their path. This 17-day layoff will be filled with scoreboard watching and anxiety about whether they can generate enough momentum upon returning 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 have players representing Team Canada at the Olympics.
Tom Wilson made the roster as a power forward, recognized for his ability to play heavy minutes and kill penalties. He is currently leading the Capitals in goals this season (23 goals as of Feb. 3).
Logan Thompson was selected as one of Canada’s goaltenders. He will be looking to prove he belongs on the international stage.
The “Ovechkin Rest” Factor
Alex Ovechkin will not be participating in the Olympics due to the IIHF’s continued ban on Russia and Belarus from international competition. While disappointing for fans wanting to see him on the world stage, this is a massive potential benefit for the Capitals. The 40-year-old captain, who has 22 goals this season, now gets over two weeks of rest. This recovery time could be the deciding factor in whether he has the legs to carry Washington back into the playoff picture in March and April.
Martin Fehérváry’s Heavy Workload
Defenseman Martin Fehérváry will be a cornerstone for Team Slovakia. Unlike on the Capitals, where he plays a specific shutdown role, he will likely be asked to play massive minutes in all situations for Slovakia. Caps management will be watching closely, hoping he returns healthy and not burnt out for the final stretch of the NHL season.
Related – Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Capitals Players Olympic Schedule this week
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | Capitals Players Involved |
| Wed, Feb. 11 | 10:40 AM | Slovakia vs. Finland | Martin Fehérváry (SVK) |
| Thu, Feb. 12 | 10:40 AM | Canada vs. Czechia | Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson (CAN) |
| Fri, Feb. 13 | 6:10 AM | Slovakia vs. Italy | Martin Fehérváry (SVK) |
| Fri, Feb. 13 | 3:10 PM | Canada vs. Switzerland | Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson (CAN) |
| Sat, Feb. 14 | 6:10 AM | Slovakia vs. Sweden | Martin Fehérváry (SVK) |
| Sun, Feb. 15 | 10:40 AM | Canada vs. France | Tom Wilson, Logan Thompson (CAN) |
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