Olympics looking less likely for NHL players

With another round of games postponed in the NHL on Sunday because of covid-19, it became more and more likely that the league will not participate in the upcoming Olympics in Beijing in February.

The NHL and the NHL’s Players’ Association (NHLPA), in a combined release issued Sunday evening, indicated a decision on participating in the Olympics would be coming in the near future.

The release stated:

“Given the disruption to the NHL’s regular-season schedule caused by recent COVID-related events – 27 games had been postponed as of Saturday and at least 12 more will be postponed through Dec. 23 – and the continued uncertainty caused by the ongoing COVID pandemic, the NHL and NHLPA are actively discussing the matter of NHL Player participation in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, and expect to be in a position to announce a final determination in the coming days.”

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is slated to serve as the United States’ head coach for the tournament. Speaking with media in Newark, N.J., on Sunday, he pledged to remain prepared for that task until told otherwise.

“You guys (media) know how I feel about the opportunity and the honor it is to participate in the Olympics and represent your nation,” Sullivan said. “It is, without a doubt, an incredible honor and a privilege to be part of something like the Olympic initiative. I get excited about that and have been throughout the process. This will not change what we are doing behind the scenes with (Olympic general manager) Billy Guerin, and (assistant general manager) Chris Drury and (assistant executive director of hockey operations) John Vanbiesbrouck and our coaching staff on the preparation process. We’ve put a process in place here where we meet regularly though (video conferences).

“We’re going to continue to go through that process until someone tells us otherwise that we’re not going to participate. It really doesn’t change anything that we do.

“I’m hopeful that we have the opportunity to participate because I think it’s such a great honor and such a great experience for everyone involved.”

Homecoming for O’Connor

AP

Penguins rookie forward Drew O’Connor.

As a native of Chatham, N.J., Penguins forward Drew O’Connor went to plenty of games at Prudential Center to watch the Devils.

Perhaps the most memorable was Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Final between the New Jersey Devils and rival New York Rangers.

Ex-Devils forward Adam Henrique scored in overtime to win the game, 3-2, and clinched the series, 4-2.

“I’ve been to a lot of games in (New) Jersey,” O’Connor said on Saturday. “A favorite memory was the game against the Rangers when they clinched to go to the (Stanley) Cup) Final. The place was going crazy. That was awesome.”

He was provided with an opportunity for another awesome experience Sunday when he played his first professional game at Prudential Center. With a number of loved ones on hand, O’Connor opened Sunday’s contest on the Penguins’ fourth line.

“Going there will be pretty fun,” O’Connor said.” I have a lot of family and stuff like that there. It should be a fun game. I’m looking forward to it.”

Technically still a rookie, O’Connor is in his second professional season after playing a handful of games during the 2020-21 campaign.

After recording only one assist in 10 games last season, O’Connor has made considerable progress this season. Before Sunday, he had appeared in 18 games and recorded five points (three goals, two assists).

“His game has grown a lot,” Sullivan said. “He came into training camp in terrific shape. He had a great offseason. … And he’s continued to progress throughout this early part of the season. He’s improved in so many aspects of his game, his whole overall game. It starts with his mindset. His confidence level is at a different level than it was a year ago. He knows what to expect, his familiarity with his coaches and his teammates. When I watch Drew’s game, he’s a guy that brings a lot of size and speed to our team. He’s heavy on pucks, he’s got a good shot, he’s got a sneaky release. He’s got some scoring touch to him.

“If we play him in our bottom six (forwards), he brings an offensive dimension to the line. He brings a speed element to the line. Because he’s so strong on pucks, I think he can play the game we’re trying to play. I’ve seen his game evolve in so many aspects. It’s encouraging to watch him play each and every day. He’s getting better with each and every game that he plays.”

Follow the Penguins all season long.