Arturs Silovs is back with the Penguins after a transformative run in Italy, where the young goaltender backstopped Latvia to their first Olympic win since 2014 with a stunning 26-save performance against Germany. His ability to shut down elite NHL talent like Leon Draisaitl under Olympic pressure has caught the attention of head coach Dan Muse, who sees the experience as another crucial chapter in the 24-year-old's development.

Connor McDavid returns from Olympics silver with taped fingers spotted in the handshake line, fueling whispers of a hand issue after that brutal slash on a breakaway. The guy's fresh off MVP honors and an Olympic points record, captaining Canada through Crosby's absence, but now eyes turn to Edmonton where the Oilers cling to second in the division. With Leon Draisaitl reportedly nursing something similar and playoff spots tightening, any setback for their supernova could derail another Cup run.

Matthew Tkachuk keeps the fire burning with another jab at Leon Draisaitl fresh off their heated gold medal showdown against Canada. The Panthers pest's barbs echo through international play into club rivalries. Edmonton and Florida front offices brace for playoff sparks if these two cross paths again.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby returns from Italy with a silver medal and a nagging injury that sidelined him for Canada's gold-medal showdown against a golden Team USA. Arturs Silovs thrilled back home after stonewalling Leon Draisaitl's 10 shots in Latvia's upset over Germany, while the Penguins' Olympic contingent - including Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell - brings fresh legs and stories from the brightest stage.

Matthew Tkachuk turns the Olympics into his personal agitator showcase, catching Leon Draisaitl on a hot mic with the brutal "always the bridesmaid" line after Team USA's dominant win over Germany. The Panthers star and his brother Brady shadow the Oilers captain all night, channeling that same edge from back-to-back Stanley Cup Final beatdowns in Florida.

Edmonton Oilers face a top-six winger injury that sidelines a key piece just as a grizzled veteran centre checks back into the lineup post-Olympics. Coach Knoblauch juggles lines with McDavid and Draisaitl counting on depth to maintain their Cup push amid the grind. This shuffle tests Edmonton's resilience when every point fuels the Western Conference fire sale rumors.