The return of NHL players to Olympic ice hockey after a 12-year absence has transformed the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics into the most eagerly anticipated hockey tournament in over a decade. From February 11-22, the world’s greatest players will battle for gold across two state-of-the-art venues in Milan, featuring dream matchups that have fans and bettors counting down the days.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to the must-watch games of the preliminary round, complete with predictions and betting insights.
Opening Day Showdowns — February 11
Slovakia vs Finland
The men’s tournament kicks off with a tantalizing Group B clash between Slovakia and Finland at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Finland, the reigning Olympic champions from Beijing 2022, enter as heavy favorites with a roster stacked with NHL talent including Aleksander Barkov, Mikko Rantanen, Sebastian Aho, and elite goaltender Juuse Saros.
Slovakia arrives with their own impressive lineup featuring young phenom Juraj Slafkovsky, who was named MVP at the 2022 Olympics as a teenager, alongside Simon Nemec and defensive stalwart Erik Cernak. The Slovaks captured bronze in Beijing and will be eager to prove that success was no fluke.
Prediction: Finland 3-1. The Finns’ defensive structure and goaltending depth should prove decisive, though Slovakia has enough firepower to keep it competitive.
Sweden vs Italy
The evening session brings a fairytale matchup as host nation Italy faces powerhouse Sweden in their Olympic opener. The atmosphere inside the arena will be electric as Italian fans get their first taste of Olympic hockey on home ice.
Sweden boasts one of the tournament’s deepest rosters with superstars like Victor Hedman, Rasmus Dahlin, William Nylander, and Gabriel Landeskog. Italy, while outmatched on paper, will ride an incredible wave of home support and could make things interesting early.
Prediction: Sweden 5-1. The Tre Kronor’s skill advantage is simply too vast, but expect Italy to play with passion and perhaps steal an early goal to ignite the crowd.
Blockbuster Day — February 12
Czechia vs Canada
This Group A heavyweight clash features two nations with storied Olympic hockey histories. Canada arrives as one of the tournament favorites, fielding perhaps the most talented roster ever assembled, including Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar. The depth chart reads like an NHL All-Star roster.
Czechia counters with their own impressive talent, led by David Pastrnak and Martin Necas, plus a proud tradition of international success. The Czechs have historically given Canada problems in tournament play and won’t be intimidated by the star power across the ice.
Prediction: Canada 4-2. The Canadians’ offensive firepower should prevail, but Czechia’s experienced tournament players will make this a battle throughout.
Latvia vs United States
Group C action features an intriguing matchup between the talent-laden Americans and plucky Latvia. Team USA enters with a roster featuring Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy — a blend of elite skill and physicality.
Latvia consistently punches above its weight in international competition and thrives in the underdog role. Their disciplined defensive system and passionate play style can frustrate more talented opponents, making this a potential trap game for the Americans.
Prediction: USA 4-1. American firepower should eventually break through, but don’t be surprised if this remains tight through two periods.
Nordic Rivalry Day — February 13
Finland vs Sweden
The crown jewel of the preliminary round brings together the two Scandinavian giants in a rivalry that transcends hockey. Finland versus Sweden is one of sport’s most passionate matchups, with generations of history and national pride on the line every time these teams meet.
Both nations enter with legitimate gold medal aspirations. Finland’s championship pedigree and defensive excellence against Sweden’s offensive depth and blue-line brilliance creates a fascinating tactical chess match. This game often previews medal-round intensity.
Prediction: Finland 2-1. These matchups are typically tight, low-scoring affairs decided by a single goal or special teams play. Finland’s goaltending edge with Juuse Saros could be the difference.
Canada vs Switzerland
Canada’s second preliminary game pits them against a Swiss team that has steadily climbed the international hockey hierarchy. Switzerland features Roman Josi, one of the NHL’s premier defensemen, along with Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Kevin Fiala — legitimate stars who can compete with anyone.
The Swiss have become giant-killers in recent tournaments and possess the goaltending and defensive structure to frustrate opponents. Canada will need to avoid complacency against a team capable of pulling an upset.
Prediction: Canada 3-2. A tighter game than many expect, with Switzerland’s disciplined play keeping them within striking distance before Canada’s depth proves decisive.
Crucial Saturday — February 14
Sweden vs Slovakia
This Group B clash carries significant playoff seeding implications. Sweden will look to assert dominance, while Slovakia needs a result to stay competitive for a favorable quarterfinal draw.
Prediction: Sweden 4-2. The Swedes’ superior depth should control this game, though Slovakia’s young stars will create dangerous chances.
Finland vs Italy
The host nation faces another stern test against the defending champions. Italy will again benefit from tremendous crowd support, but Finland represents an even more daunting challenge than Sweden.
Prediction: Finland 4-0. The Finns’ suffocating defensive system should shut down Italy’s limited offensive options, while their forwards capitalize on transition opportunities.
USA vs Germany
Team USA looks to secure top position in Group C against a German squad that has emerged as a legitimate international contender in recent years. Germany’s 2018 Olympic silver medal proved their program’s growth is genuine.
Prediction: USA 5-2. American offensive talent should shine, but Germany possesses enough quality to find the net multiple times.
Tournament Outlook and Predictions
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics mark a historic return of NHL talent to the Olympic stage, creating unprecedented depth across all contending nations. Canada and USA lead the winner favorites, followed closely by Finland, Sweden, and Czechia.
Final Thoughts
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic ice hockey tournament promises to deliver unforgettable moments, fierce rivalries, and world-class competition. From the opening faceoff between Slovakia and Finland to the gold medal game on February 22, hockey fans are in for a spectacular two weeks.
Whether you’re watching for the pure love of the sport or looking to add some action through predictions, these preliminary round matchups set the stage for what could be the greatest Olympic hockey tournament ever played.
The countdown to February 11 is officially on.
