2026 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey Preview and Free Picks

Last Updated on February 10, 2026 1:57 pm by Erwin Noguera

The Men’s ice hockey preliminary round at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina features the world’s top hockey nations competing for quarterfinal positioning.

With NHL players back in Olympic competition for the first time since 2014, the tournament promises high-skill clashes and national pride on the ice. Preliminary group play takes place from February 11 to 14, with the top teams advancing to the quarterfinals.

The twelve qualified teams are divided into three groups of four. Each team plays three games in a round-robin format, and the group winners plus the best second-place team earn direct quarterfinal spots. The remaining eight nations contest qualification matches to reach the final eight.

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Ice Hockey Group A: Canada vs. Czechia

One of the marquee preliminary matchups is Canada vs. Czechia in Group A. Canada, traditionally a perennial Olympic favorite, boasts a roster loaded with NHL stars, including Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon, giving them elite scoring depth and experience in pressure situations. However, the tournament’s parity means no outcome is guaranteed.

Czechia, although not as well-established in star power, has demonstrated competitive resilience on the world stage. Their disciplined structure and opportunistic scoring give them a realistic chance to challenge Canada, particularly in close-checking games where individual brilliance matters. Switzerland and France round out Group A and will be eager to pull off upsets.

Final Betting Pick: Canada

Ice Hockey Group B: Sweden vs. Finland

In Group B, Sweden and Finland represent two of the tournament’s most balanced and formidable squads. Sweden enters with a deep roster featuring top NHL forwards and defensemen such as Victor Hedman and Filip Forsberg. Their strong tactical structure and success in past international play make them one of the early favorites.

Finland, the defending Olympic champions, brings a relentless forecheck and physical style that has troubled opponents in recent world championships. Their goaltending and defensive discipline are among the best in the event, and they are eager to prove that their 2022 Olympic title was no fluke. Italy and Slovakia round out Group B; while they are less heralded, both are capable of disruption if the favorites underestimate them.

Final Betting Pick: Sweden

Ice Hockey Group C: Team USA vs. Latvia

Group C pits Team USA against Latvia, Germany, and Denmark. The United States features an NHL-laden lineup with elite forwards and dynamic two-way defensemen who can tilt possession and speed metrics in their favor. With NHL stars participating again after an extended hiatus from Olympic competition, the American squad’s depth gives them a clear advantage in both lineup balance and scoring output.

Latvia, while enthusiastic and competitive, enters as an underdog. The Latvian team has proven ability to compete in short bursts, but sustaining that level against a deep USA lineup will be challenging.

Final Betting Pick: USA

Ice Hockey Group C: Germany vs. Denmark

One of the most competitive and underrated matchups in the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s ice hockey preliminary rounds is Germany vs. Denmark.

While neither team enters as a traditional powerhouse, this game could be decisive for quarterfinal qualification or positioning in the playoff round.

Germany has quietly become a strong international team over the last decade. Their silver medal run at the 20218 Winter Olympics, and consistent top-10 finishes at recent IIHF World Championships show real progress. Also, they have posted winning records against mid-tier European nations in international play.

Denmark, on the other hand, is known for discipline and structure but has struggled against higher-ranked opponents. While competitive in IIHF tournaments, Denmark has never reached an Olympic semifinal and often relies on low-scoring, defensive games to stay competitive.

Final Betting Pick: Germany