As the NHL season resumes following the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, five teams stand out as likely candidates for significant playoff comebacks. With key players returning from Olympic success and recovering from injuries, franchises such as the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, and Winnipeg Jets have the potential to reshape their postseason trajectories.
Florida Panthers’ Return to Form Fueled by Star Power
The Florida Panthers enter the latter part of the season with renewed hope following the Olympic break, largely due to the return of forward Matthew Tkachuk. After missing the start of the NHL season through injury, Tkachuk has accumulated eight points in 10 games and arrived at the Panthers with momentum from his gold medal-winning performance for the United States, where he tallied six assists in six Olympic games. Adding to Florida’s strength are teammates Anton Lundell, who earned a bronze medal with Finland, along with Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart, silver medalists with Canada, all poised to bolster the team’s push.
According to NHL EDGE tracking data, Tkachuk ranks in the 99th percentile for offensive zone time percentage among forwards, highlighting his significant presence on the ice. Despite currently sitting eight points shy of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Panthers demonstrate potential for resurgence; they rank tied for fourth in midrange shots on goal but trail 27th in midrange shooting percentage. Furthermore, Florida holds a spot in the top 10 for both offensive zone time percentage and 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage, underscoring their ability to sustain pressure even while enduring long-term absences, notably that of captain Aleksander Barkov, sidelined with a knee injury.
Nashville Predators Eyeing Playoff Push Backed by Goalie Excellence
The Nashville Predators focus on maintaining their position in the Western Conference playoff race with goaltender Juuse Saros showcasing elite form. Saros, 30, impressed at the Olympics with a 4-2 record, a .940 save percentage, and a shutout over six games. Alongside him return defenseman Roman Josi, who captained Switzerland to a strong showing, forward Filip Forsberg representing Sweden, and Erik Haula, who surprised with a six-point effort for Finland.
Statistical analysis places Saros third in the NHL for high-danger saves and seventh in midrange save percentage. The Predators currently trail the playoff cutoff by a slim four points but rank third league-wide in offensive zone time and ninth in 5-on-5 shot attempts. These metrics hint at a team capable of forging a late-season charge backed by robust possession and defensive efforts.
New Jersey Devils Look to Olympic Momentum to Climb Standings
The New Jersey Devils hope to leverage the form of forward Jack Hughes, their American star who scored the decisive “Golden Goal” against Canada en route to Olympic gold. Despite missing considerable NHL time due to injury, Hughes has amassed 36 points in 36 games. His Olympic performance, featuring seven points and 15 shots in six contests, signals a player ready to elevate the Devils’ fortunes in a tight Eastern Conference race where they sit 11 points outside a playoff berth.
NHL EDGE data underscores Hughes’s offensive contributions, ranking him in the 91st percentile for midrange shots on goal and 82nd percentile for midrange goals. His time in the offensive zone also places him in the 89th percentile among forwards. New Jersey itself is 10th in the league for 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage, indicating solid effort generation. The Devils’ roster also boasts Olympic participants including goalie Jacob Markstrom of Sweden, forwards Timo Meier and Nico Hischier, as well as defenseman Simon Nemec, infusing the team with experience and optimism.
San Jose Sharks Depend on Youth and Emerging Talent
The San Jose Sharks remain alive in the Western Conference playoff hunt, driven by the remarkable performance of 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini, the youngest NHL player at the Olympics. Celebrini led the hockey tournament with five goals and 28 shots on goal, finishing second in points behind Connor McDavid. His NHL output reflects this dominance, ranking fourth in league scoring with 81 points in 55 games.
Celebrini’s impact is amplified by his chemistry with fellow young forward Will Smith, who has registered 39 points in 42 games. The Sharks sit within five points of the playoff cutoff, aided by NHL EDGE stats revealing Celebrini’s elite standing in midrange shots and goals as well as among the hardest shots and fastest speed bursts. Returning rookie Michael Misa, who ranks in the 79th percentile for skating speed, and Pavol Regenda, a key offensive contributor from high-danger zones, provide further offensive support. Additionally, new acquisition Kiefer Sherwood, who boasts top-tier rankings in shot speed and high-danger scoring metrics, debuted shortly before the Olympic break, offering fresh options in the lineup.
Winnipeg Jets Seek Rebound Backed by Star Goaltending
The Winnipeg Jets, coming off a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season, currently face an uphill battle to re-enter the playoff race in the Western Conference, trailing by 11 points. However, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck’s outstanding Olympic showing could energize the team’s final stretch. Hellebuyck led the tournament in save percentage and was exceptional in the gold medal game, stopping 41 of 42 shots. Already a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and reigning Hart Trophy recipient, Hellebuyck presents a critical asset as the Jets attempt to regain their footing.
While Hellebuyck’s high-danger save percentage is slightly below average this season, it marked a significant improvement last year, showing potential for a rebound. Forward Kyle Connor, a U.S. Olympian for part of the tournament, holds impressive advanced metrics across shot speed and volume, alongside linemate Mark Scheifele, who currently ranks third in NHL midrange goals despite missing the Olympic roster. Defenseman Josh Morrissey, limited by injury at the Games but posting elite metrics in several offensive categories this NHL season, further reinforces the Jets’ core. Winnipeg ranks 11th in offensive zone time at even strength, suggesting they retain the ability to compete effectively if health and scoring resolve favorably.
Implications for the NHL Playoff Landscape Ahead
As these five NHL teams regroup following the Olympic break, the convergence of returning stars, advancing young players, and impressive possession and shooting statistics signal that the playoff picture remains fluid and highly competitive. Florida and Nashville appear primed to assert their positional advantages; New Jersey and Winnipeg hope key returnees spark upward momentum; and San Jose’s youthful dynamism offers an intriguing wildcard. How these squads capitalize on Olympic experience and shake off early setbacks will be decisive in the race to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
