Heading into the Olympic break, the Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the hottest teams in the NHL. The Buds managed to go 7-2-1 in their last 10 games before sending three players to compete for gold in Sochi. Now, both Team Russia and especially Team USA are reaping the benefits of having some of the best the Leafs have to offer.

Here’s an up-to-date look at the performances of the Maple Leafs who are playing for their countries at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games

Nikolai Kulemin- Russia

Although the left winger hasn’t made his mark for Team Russia on the scoreboard in Sochi as of yet, it doesn’t mean Kulemin hasn’t provided solid play up front for the host nation in the shadows of their star-studded lineup. The native of Magnitogorsk, Russia continues his modest but still impressive play as he currently holds a +/- of 0 for Russia after their first two games of the tournament. Look for Kulemin to finally catch a break and help the Russians skate past Slovakia in their final game of group play in Sochi on Sunday.

James Van Riemsdyk- USA  

The New Jersey native has come a very long way since being acquired by the Leafs from the Philadelphia Flyers back in June of 2012. Not in his wildest dreams did he think he would ever have a chance to dawn the stars and stripes at the Sochi Olympic Games. However, with his solid playmaking ability and the cohesiveness that he and his line mates have shown alongside each other for the Leafs this season, his spot on USA’s roster in Sochi was more than secure.

So far, van Riemsdyk has three assists in two games for Team USA and shows no signs of slowing down. He did miss his only attempt at the shootout against Russia but it is very clear that he will continue to be a go-to guy for head coach Dan Bylsma as the tournament goes on.

Phil Kessel- USA

Phil “The Thrill” continues to be on fire. The Leafs’ star forward has managed to contribute in a big way for Team USA in Sochi as he has racked up a total of four points in the team’s first two games. Playing next to van Riemsdyk, his regular everyday line mate in Toronto, for USA continues to pay dividends for an American squad that now sits atop the Group A standings.

Look for Kessel to continue to showcase his torrid play as his team suits up against Slovenia for their final game in the group stage. There is a lot of hockey left to be played for Team USA and this is music to Kessel’s ears as he is playing the best hockey of his still very young career.

Although there is only three players involved, the Leafs are well represented at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games due to impressive play alone. Both van Riemsdyk and Kessel will continue to try and help lead USA back to a second consecutive birth in the gold medal game while Kulemin looks to continue his stellar play in the shadows of Pavel Datsyuk and Alexander Ovechkin for Team Russia. This continued great play by these three Olympians is fantastic news for fans of the Leafs as they anxiously wait for the return of NHL hockey.