"The NHL season is currently paused for the 2026 Winter Olympic Break, which runs from Feb. 5 through Feb. 25. While the Los Angeles Kings as a team are off, attention turns to the five Kings players representing their countries in Milano Cortina. The Kings entered the break in a fierce battle for positioning in the Pacific Division. With the race tightening against the Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken, and Edmonton Oilers, this three-week pause offers critical rest-especially for captain Anze Kopitar, who recently returned from an 11-game injury absence and recorded his 1,300th career point."
"Just before the break, defenseman Drew Doughty recorded his 700th career point, becoming the first defenseman in franchise history to reach that milestone. He now heads to the Olympics as a veteran leader for Team Canada, looking to add to his gold medal collection (2010, 2014). Heading into the break, Los Angeles developed a reputation for tight, low-scoring games that frequently went beyond regulation. While they have been collecting points, their inability to close out games in regulation could hurt them in tie-breaker scenarios down the stretch."
The NHL is paused for the 2026 Winter Olympic Break from Feb. 5 to Feb. 25 while five Los Angeles Kings players compete in Milano Cortina. The Kings entered the break fighting for positioning in the Pacific Division amid tight competition from the Vegas Golden Knights, Seattle Kraken and Edmonton Oilers. Captain Anze Kopitar recently returned from an 11-game injury absence and recorded his 1,300th career point. Defenseman Drew Doughty reached 700 career points and will bring veteran leadership to Team Canada as a multiple Olympic gold medalist. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper faces a three-way battle for Canada’s starting crease. Adrian Kempe projects as a top-six option for Sweden. Kevin Fiala is listed for Switzerland.
Read at The Hockey Writers
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