Capitals players chase Olympic glory as NHL return nears after dramatic hockey semis
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are reaching a climax in men's hockey. This weekend, the bronze and gold medal games will decide the podium finishers. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals are preparing for their return to NHL action after the Olympic break.
Three Caps players—Martin Fehervary, Logan Thompson, and Tom Wilson—remain in Italy, still in contention for medals as their teams advance to the semifinals.
Earlier in the tournament, many men's hockey games lacked close competition, with several ending in lopsided scores. But Wednesday brought a breaking news, as multiple matches stretched into overtime. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery called it an entertaining day of hockey.
Back in Arlington, the rest of the team resumed full practices. Connor McMichael, recovering from injury, skated in a non-contact jersey on Wednesday before returning to full contact on Thursday. His progress suggests he'll be ready for Washington's first post-break game on February 25 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Capitals had lighter sessions earlier in the week, with an optional skate on Tuesday and morning practices on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday brings a full day off—just in time for the news today Olympic semifinals. At Milan's Santagiulia Arena, Canada will face Finland at 16:40, followed by USA versus Slovakia at 21:10.
Many players have followed the Olympics closely, tuning in despite early start times. Their focus now splits between supporting teammates abroad and preparing for the NHL's return.
The medal games will wrap up the Olympic hockey tournament on Saturday and Sunday. Fehervary, Thompson, and Wilson could still bring hardware back to Washington. For the Capitals, the break ends soon, with a home game against Philadelphia looming on the schedule.
