"It's obviously a huge honour and privilege to be able to represent your country and go and compete in it. There are a lot of things you're excited about. I'm looking forward to, first and foremost, the hockey and being able to compete like that. I think everything that else that goes into it, it's definitely a really special experience."
"I think we feel like we're up there. We should be competing for gold. It's first Olympics in a while since we've been able to consistently be up there. You want to be the best country in the world, and this is a great opportunity."
Auston Matthews, 28, will participate in the Olympics for the first time as the NHL returns to the Games for the first time since 2014. Matthews expressed excitement to compete and to experience the broader Olympic environment, emphasizing the hockey itself. He captained Team USA at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, where the team lost to Canada in overtime, and now aims to help the United States contend for its first Olympic men's hockey gold since 1980. Matthews led all NHL players with eight 5-on-5 goals in January while the Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled with recent home losses and sit five points out of a playoff spot.
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