Golden Knights Players Struggle at Olympics, but Czechia Advances

Tomas Hertl's penalties nearly cost Czechia, but they defeated Denmark to set up a quarterfinal matchup with Canada.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl continued his lackluster performance at the Winter Olympics, committing two penalties that nearly allowed Denmark to come back against Czechia. However, Czechia held on to win 3-2 and advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face top-seeded Canada. Meanwhile, Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson was a healthy scratch for Sweden's 5-1 win over Latvia, and Golden Knights prospect Akira Schmid served as the backup goaltender for Switzerland's 3-0 shutout victory over host Italy.

Why it matters

The performance of Golden Knights players at the Olympics is significant, as their success or struggles could impact the team's performance when they return to the NHL season. Hertl's penalties and lack of production are concerning, while Andersson's healthy scratch raises questions about his status going forward. The outcome of the quarterfinal matchups will also determine which Golden Knights players advance further in the tournament.

The details

Hertl was moved to the third line after struggling on the top line, but he still went without a point for the fourth straight game. His two penalties nearly allowed Denmark to tie the game, but Czechia held on for the victory. Andersson was a healthy scratch for Sweden's dominant win over Latvia, which may be a sign that he is falling out of favor. Schmid served as the backup for Switzerland, but he is likely to finish the Olympics with just one start after allowing five goals against Canada.

  • Hertl's first penalty came at 15:21 of the second period.
  • Hertl's second penalty was called at 11:31 of the third period.
  • Czechia's quarterfinal matchup with Canada is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
  • Sweden's quarterfinal game against the USA is scheduled for noon on Wednesday.
  • Switzerland's quarterfinal game against Finland is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

The players

Tomas Hertl

A center for the Vegas Golden Knights who has struggled at the Winter Olympics, committing two penalties that nearly cost Czechia their victory over Denmark.

Rasmus Andersson

A defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights who was a healthy scratch for Sweden's 5-1 win over Latvia, raising questions about his status going forward.

Akira Schmid

A Golden Knights prospect who served as the backup goaltender for Switzerland's 3-0 shutout win over host Italy.

David Pastrnak

A leading scorer for Czechia who had an assist in their 3-2 win over Denmark.

Martin Necas

A forward for Czechia who scored the game's first goal in their 3-2 win over Denmark.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a rough going in the Olympics for Tomas Hertl.”

— Danny Webster, Author (reviewjournal.com)

“Either he, or his Canadian colleagues of Mark Stone, Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner will have bragging rights when they return to Las Vegas.”

— Danny Webster, Author (reviewjournal.com)

What’s next

The outcome of the quarterfinal matchups will determine which Golden Knights players advance further in the Olympic tournament. Hertl and Czechia will face a tough test against top-seeded Canada, while Andersson and Sweden will take on the USA. Schmid and Switzerland will face Finland in their quarterfinal game.

The takeaway

The struggles of Golden Knights players at the Olympics, particularly Hertl's penalties and lack of production, are concerning for the team's performance when they return to the NHL season. However, the quarterfinal matchups present opportunities for redemption and to earn bragging rights among their Golden Knights teammates.