NHL analyst Olczyk gets break from hockey to handicap Derby

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) Eddie Olczyk is on his way to the Kentucky Derby.

The NHL analyst will take a break from the playoffs and turn handicapper when NBC Sports Group's coverage of the Derby begins April 29 and ends with the Run for the Roses on May 2.

The announcement was made Tuesday.

Olczyk is not new to the racing scene, although this is his first Derby assignment. Last year, the former NHL player and coach was part of NBC's coverage of the Breeders' Cup and Breeders' Cup Challenge Series.

Olczyk says that ''there's nothing like hockey and horses at this time of year.''

He'll also be part of NBC's team covering the other Triple Crown races, the Preakness on May 16 and the Belmont Stakes on June 6.