For the first time in 12 years, N.H.L. players will be allowed to compete in the men’s ice hockey team at the Winter Olympics. Following the success of the league’s 4 Nations exhibition last season, the hype around professionals returning to the 2026 Olympics has been dramatically increased.

Team U.S.A. men’s hockey hasn’t taken home gold at the Olympics since the Miracle on ice of 1980 and only last medaled in 2010. They also fell short in the 4 Nations Face-Off, losing to Canada in the title game.

So, what will it take for team U.S.A. to redeem itself in Milan? And how do Moon hockey players think their country will fare at the Winter Olympics?

Well, the inclusion of Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson would’ve been a good place to start. Robertson is the highest scoring American in the league; he has 63 points, 30 of which are goals (tied-most for Americans).

The two other Americans with 30 goals are Cole Caulfield and Alex Debrincat – neither of them will their country at the Olympics. Interesting decisions all around from Team U.S.A. GM Bill Guerin, to put it mildly.

Without Robertson and co., the red, white, and blue will look to Golden Knights center Jack Eichel and Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews to spark the offense. Neither forward have reached their previous heights this season, but a chance to compete for their country at the Olympics should bring out their obvious talent.

Speaking of height, Buffalo Sabre Tage Thompson may not be a household name, but the 6’6” forward has 28 goals this season and will hopefully provide similar production in Milan.

There’s an argument to be had that Team U.S.A.’s biggest strength lies in their defensive group. The roster is stacked with star blueliners like Quinn Hughes, Zack Werenski, and Charlie McAvoy. Werenski leads N.H.L. defensemen in points this season and was the top scorer at 4 Nations last winter, and Quinn Hughes is the reigning Norris Trophy winner, a reliable presence on both ends of the ice.

The stars and stripes are no slacks in the goaltending department, either. Connor Hellebuyck became just the eighth goalie to win the N.H.L.’s MVP award, the Hart trophy, last season. But his failure to perform in the big moments and his downturn in form this year have led to many speculating that he won’t be starting for Team U.S.A. at the Olympics. Expect either Dallas’s Jake Oettinger or Boston’s Jeremy Swayman to start in the crease for the Americans in Milan.

With all that in mind, how do Moon Area Hockey players think Team U.S.A. will perform at the Olympics?

All seven of the players surveyed believe their country will take home gold at the Olympics. Is that an indication the U.S.A.’s roster is actually stronger than Team Canada’s? Or is it just national pride talking?

You’ll be able to see for yourself starting February 12th on NBC Sports.