The San Jose Sharks want to believe there's no direct correlation, but the numbers would suggest otherwise.
The Sharks had eight Olympians -- five that played in the gold medal game, including four members of Team Canada -- and have since gone on a six-game losing skid that has cost them the Pacific Division lead.
San Jose's misery continued Sunday night, losing 5-1 to the Edmonton Oilers.
EVIDENCE
"I think there is some evidence to speak towards that.Obviously, we're not playing near our capabilities right now and it's been disappointing," said Sharks head coach Todd McLellan.
"We can use that as an excuse if we'd like, but I don't think it's as big an issue as we make it out to be.
"I think the players have a responsibility to show up and compete. They knew that before they went to the Olympics.
"Our guys have been real good some nights and average on some others. I don't think we're going to use the Olympics as an excuse. I don't think we can."
Heading into Sunday's game the Sharks were on their longest losing skid of the season after falling to the Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames.
They have won only three of their 10 games since the Olympics and have seen their once-formidable lead over the Phoenix Coyotes evaporate.
"Maybe there's been a little letdown," said centre Joe Thornton, who played for Canada at the Olympics.
"You get to such an emotional high, maybe it's tough to get back to reality. But I think we're doing a better job, I think we're playing a little better, even though we haven't won a game.
TOUGHER
"It's definitely tougher mentally. Physically you're fine, you're not really worn out, because you're supposed to play a lot of hockey during the season.
"Mentally, coming back to the grind can be tougher."
No other team had more players take part in the Olympics than the Sharks.
Patrick Marleau, Dany Heatley and Dan Boyle joined Thornton in wearing the Maple Leaf, while Joe Pavelski skated with the Team USA's silver-medal squad.
Goaltender Evgeni Nabokov with Russia, defenceman Douglas Murray with Sweden and goaltender Thomas Greiss, who suited up for Germany, also took part in the tournament.
The Anaheim Ducks also had eight players at the Olympics, and they too have struggled in falling off the playoff pace.
"I know, I experienced it in Toronto coming back from Turin," said Oilers head coach Pat Quinn.
"The guys that competed for the gold medal, when they came back, they weren't quite the same for a while. That might be going on with the Sharks."
Competing at such a high-level tournament, then returning to a high-pressure stretch drive can be taxing.
Teams tried to give their Olympians some time off upon their return, but with the nature of the NHL schedule, there was simply not a lot of time to give.
It would seem a number of players who took part in the tournament are going through a bit of a post-Olympics hangover.
"I think that certainly can be an excuse and I think that's what it is, an excuse," said Boyle.
"I didn't mind it, personally. I know some guys are struggling since the Olympic break, but I don't buy into it.
"I think the first game coming back was tough. We left Vancouver on a Monday and we played on a Tuesday and that was tough.
"Other than that, I'm sure the coaches around the league have been giving their guys the rest that we needed.
"We've been playing a lot of games, but (McLellan) was pretty good when we first got back, giving us some days off and things like that."
