Another week of NHL games is behind us – the last full one before the Olympic break – and once again, we witnessed a number of compelling stories. Who racked up the most points this time, which goalie stood out, what was trending on social media, and which Czech player had the best week? You’ll find all that in our regular series.

Top Scorer of the Week

The scoring charts this past week were dominated by forward Nick Schmaltz from Utah, who scored four goals and added two assists in two games, notched +5 points, and boasted an impressive shooting percentage (44.4%). He shined with a hat trick and an assist in the win over Vancouver, then posted a 1+1 stat line against Detroit.

According to Livesport, he was the best player on the ice in both games. He currently has 53 points and is on track for his best season yet, surpassing last year’s career-high of 63. If he keeps up this pace after the Olympic break, he could even reach the 80-point mark.

Six points were also collected by Matt Boldy (3+3) and Roman Josi. The Minnesota winger also dazzled with a hat trick and an assist against Nashville, getting himself in top form ahead of the Olympics. Josi contributed one goal and five assists.

Goalie of the Week

With a shortened schedule, six goalies won both of their games. Only Brandon Bussi from Carolina managed a shutout, but statistically, Karel Vejmelka was the standout. The Czech netminder was named the league’s third star of the week for his performances.

Czech Player of the Week

Karel Vejmelka secured wins over the Vancouver Canucks (6-2) and Detroit Red Wings (4-1), with the second victory marking his 27th of the season. That broke his personal record from last year, and he did it in just 44 games. He’s kept his goals-against average at 1.51 and is a key factor in Utah’s playoff push, with the Mammoth currently holding the first Wild Card spot.

Highlight of the Week

Russian forward Artemij Panarin left the NY Rangers after nearly seven seasons, as the team traded him to the Los Angeles Kings just before the Olympic break. In return, the Rangers received a conditional third-round pick in this year’s NHL draft, a fourth-round pick in 2028, and young Canadian forward Liam Greentree.

The veteran winger also signed a two-year contract with the Kings, which could earn him up to $11 million per season. As part of the deal, the Rangers will retain 50 percent of his salary for the rest of this season. According to TSN, the Kings were the only team Panarin was willing to join, waiving his no-trade clause for them.

Although Panarin’s trade was expected, the relatively low return was surprising. The fact that the Rangers didn’t get a first-round pick, for example, was due to Panarin’s insistence on going only to LA, which significantly weakened Manhattan’s negotiating position.

Stat of the Week

Minnesota can be pleased with how their season is going, especially with their stars performing at a high level. Quinn Hughes could become the most productive defenseman in club history, and Kirill Kaprizov has been consistently scoring since signing his lucrative contract. This season, he’s already tallied nine points in overtime (4+5), tying the NHL record. If he adds at least one more after the Olympic break, he’ll set a new league high.

From Social Media

Canada had to make two changes to its Olympic roster due to health issues, and in both cases, Tampa Bay players had to give up their Olympic dreams. Anthony Cirelli and Brayden Point. Both Lightning players showed their character, voluntarily stepping aside for healthier teammates.

“It’s devastating. But Cirelli and Point proved they’re not selfish. They could have pushed to go to the Olympics, but they know they’re not fully ready. They chose to step aside so Canada would have a better shot at gold,” said Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois.

Photo of the Week

It didn’t matter that it was the last game before the Olympics. The derby between Tampa Bay and Florida was heated as always. The Lightning won convincingly 6-1, but other moments stood out as well.

At the end of the second period, a mass brawl broke out between Brandon Hagel and Matthew Tkachuk, echoing their clash from last year’s Four Nations Tournament in the Canada – USA opener. Other Olympians got involved too: Sweden’s Gustav Forsling and Switzerland’s J.J. Moser also squared off.