We have finally reached the final day of matches for the preliminary rounds of the 2026 Olympic Men’s Hockey Tournament. Although Group B is complete, Groups A and C both have two matches with strong implications for the final placings in their respective groups.
Switzerland vs. Czech Republic (6:10)
After a strong showing in their opening match against France on February 12Switzerland couldn’t do much against Canada in their second match, holding a 1-1 record heading into the final day of the preliminaries. They will miss the presence of Kevin Fiala (Los Angeles Kings), who suffered a season-ending injury in their 5-1 loss to the Canadians. Although they have only scored five goals, they have been strong defensively, with an equal goal difference in the first two games.
They will need more of that strong defensive play and goaltending to beat the Czechs and claim the second seed in Group A. In a big match, it will be interesting to see who they go in net with: Leonardo Genoni or Akira Schmid (Vegas Golden Knights). Genoni had a strong performance in their win against France, and Schmid had the tough task of playing against Canada.
The Czech Republic have the attacking firepower to counter the solid defensive play of the Swiss, led by David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins) and Martin Necas (Colorado Avalanche), and will look to continue their attacking momentum from their 6-3 win over France on February 13 in today’s matchup. They will need to get more out of Tomas Hertl (Vegas Golden Knights), who has failed to score a point in the first two games. Their goaltending has been up and down a bit, and they will need it to be better in today’s matchup and in the future.
Favorite: Czech Republic
Canada vs France (10:40)
Canada looked like the best team in the tournament, with strong chemistry and lineup continuity through the first two games, and was successful on both ends of the ice. If they play against France, they should have the same success. Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) has led the way for the Canadians with six points, and they’ve gotten plenty of help from every line. The French will play a tough game, just like in their first two, but the Canadians have too much firepower to overcome.
France’s attack has struggled to generate much so far, with just three goals, and they will face a huge challenge against Canada. They will have to play their best game of the tournament to keep this match within reach. Antoine Keller will likely be between the pipes for France in the match and will certainly be busy.
Favorite: Canada
Denmark vs. Latvia (1:10 p.m.)
Despite being winless so far, Denmark have fought in both matches. In their loss to the United States yesterday, they had the Americans on the ropes early and held a lead in the first period, but the Americans eventually took the lead and pulled away. They are a team that takes advantage of every bit given to them and plays with great energy. This game will be fun to watch as both teams play in the same style. Denmark will need better goaltending to get their first win of the tournament.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament
The Latvians were somewhat upset and achieved their first victory at the Olympic Games yesterday with a 4-3 victory over Germany. As mentioned before, both teams play in a similar style: they don’t give up and are in your face the entire match. They don’t have one player that will light up the scoresheet, but they have four lines that can take the ice and make a difference. That said, they should have the upper hand over Denmark, on top of getting some solid goaltending from Artūrs Šilovs (Pittsburgh Penguins), who could very easily be the one in the net in a big game for the Latvians.
Favorite: Latvia
United States vs. Germany (3:10 p.m.)
After struggling a bit against Denmark yesterday, the Americans pulled away for a 6-3 victory, moving to 2-0 in the Olympics. Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins) had a rough start at the crease and it is likely that Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets) will be the starter against the Germans. Matthew and Brady Tkachuk have played their typical games and have been great for the Americans so far in the tournament, and that shouldn’t change today. It will be interesting to see if head coach Mike Sullivan shakes up the lineup at all to get a little more spark in their final preliminary round game.
The Germans come into the game after a somewhat disappointing match against the Latvians, in which they were unable to really get going offensively. They will need huge games offensively from Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers) and Tim Stütlze (Ottawa Senators), while Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings) will certainly be on the ice for more than 25 minutes and will be tasked with taking over the United States’ top line.
Favorite: United States
Exciting ending to the preliminary round
With four matches on the schedule today, every match is of great importance as we enter the qualifying phase and then the quarter-finals of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Every player has dreamed of playing in big matches while representing their country, and today is one of those days where they try to help their teams get into a good position heading into the knockout stages.
#Preview #Olympic #Games #Mens #Hockey #Day #preliminary #ends #major #matches #Hockey #Writers #Olympics #Latest #news #analysis