Islanders' Ondrej Palat Reflects on Representing Czechia at Olympics

Palat scored a key goal for Czechia in the quarterfinals before Canada rallied to win in overtime.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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New York Islanders forward Ondrej Palat recently returned from representing Czechia at the Milan Olympics, where he scored a crucial goal in the quarterfinals against Canada before the Canadians rallied to win in overtime. Palat called the Olympic experience "amazing" and is now rejoining the Islanders for the stretch run as they battle for a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Why it matters

Palat's Olympic experience should provide valuable preparation for the high-stakes games ahead with the Islanders, who are looking to secure a playoff berth. His scoring ability could be a key factor in the team's championship aspirations.

The details

Palat was traded from the New Jersey Devils to the Islanders just before the Olympic break. While representing Czechia in Milan, he scored a go-ahead goal for his country in the quarterfinals against Canada, but the Canadians ultimately rallied to win in overtime. Now back with the Islanders, Palat and teammate Bo Horvat, who played for Team Canada, will look to help the team solidify its position in the playoff race.

  • Palat was traded to the Islanders just before the Olympic break.
  • Palat scored a goal for Czechia in the quarterfinals of the Olympics on February 22, 2026.
  • The Islanders resume their NHL season on February 24, 2026 against the Montreal Canadiens.

The players

Ondrej Palat

A forward for the New York Islanders who recently represented Czechia at the Milan Olympics.

Bo Horvat

A forward for the New York Islanders who represented Team Canada at the Milan Olympics.

Jordan Binnington

The goaltender for Team Canada who was scored on by Palat in the quarterfinals of the Olympics.

Nick Suzuki

A forward for Team Canada who forced overtime against Czechia in the quarterfinals.

Mitch Marner

A forward for Team Canada who scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Czechia in the quarterfinals.

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What they’re saying

“yeah I mean, to be part of Winter Olympics is something I dreamed of. Obviously, I think every athlete in the world (does). So, I'm lucky enough to be part of it for a second time, and it was again an amazing experience.”

— Ondrej Palat (SNY Islanders)

What’s next

The Islanders will look to Palat and Horvat to provide a boost as they battle for a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division. Their first game back from the Olympic break is on February 24, 2026 against the Montreal Canadiens.

The takeaway

Palat's Olympic experience, including his clutch goal for Czechia, should provide valuable preparation for the high-stakes games ahead with the Islanders as they push for a playoff berth. His scoring ability could be a key factor in the team's championship aspirations.