The men’s ice hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has concluded its preliminary stages. Concurrently, the tournament has determined the final seeding for the knockout stages. Canada and the USA are the heavy Olympic Hockey Betting Lines favorites. In turn, the remaining eight teams will compete in the qualification playoffs on Tuesday, February 17, to determine the other four quarterfinalists.
In sum, four teams have earned automatic byes into the quarterfinals by finishing as group winners or the best second-place team.
- No. 1 Canada (Group A winner, 3–0–0–0)
- No. 2 United States (Group C winner, 3–0–0–0)
- No. 3 Slovakia (Group B winner, 2–0–1–0)
- No. 4 Finland (Best second-place team)
2025-26 Men’s Olympic Hockey Championship – Update
Milan, Italy, is the venue for the 2026 Olympics and the Men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament. The Tournament will run from February 17-22, 2026, with media coverage on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, CNBC, Telemundo, and Universo.
Current Stage: Qualification Playoffs (Tuesday, February 17, 2026)
These are the “qualification” or “play-in” games for lower-seeded teams to advance to the quarterfinals:
6:10 a.m. ET: Germany (6) vs. France (11) – Santagiulia Arena (Peacock, CBC Gem, CBC)
6:10 a.m. ET: Switzerland (5) vs. Italy (12) – RHO Arena (Peacock, CBC Gem, CBC)
10:40 a.m. ET: Czechia (8) vs. Denmark (9) – Santagiulia Arena (Peacock, CBC Gem, CBC)
3:10 p.m. ET: Sweden (7) vs. Latvia (10) – Santagiulia Arena (Peacock, CBC Gem, CBC)
Following this round, the winners advance to face the top seeds (including the USA, Canada, Finland, and Slovakia, based on preliminary results and seeding).
Upcoming Playoff Schedule
Wednesday, February 18, 2026: Quarterfinals (matchups TBD based on Feb 17 results; times likely around 6–10 a.m. and afternoon ET slots, e.g., one at ~9:10 p.m. local for prime time).
Friday, February 20, 2026: Semifinals (times TBD, likely afternoon/evening ET).
Saturday, February 21, 2026: Bronze Medal Game (~2:10 p.m. ET or similar).
Sunday, February 22, 2026: Gold Medal Game (evening ET slot, championship finale).
The sportsbook bracket is single-elimination from here—exciting hockey ahead with powerhouses like the USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland in contention.
2026 Olympics Men’s Hockey Gold Medal Top Contenders and Odds to Win
Canada is the clear favorite in Winter Olympics odds (+105 pre-tourney, still dominant). The roster is loaded with stars. Namely, Connor McDavid (tourney-leading points with 9), Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Sidney Crosby, and Macklin Celebrini. Additionally, there is elite depth, physical forecheck, and strong goaltending. The path looks favorable; many predict gold, possibly vs. the USA in the final.
The United States remains a strong co-favorite (+190 odds). The Americans are young with a high-skill roster. Namely, Auston Matthews (leading USA points), Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes (Norris contender), Matthew Tkachuk, and Jake Guentzel. The USA brings an explosive offense, but some question the size/defense. The Americans had solid prelims and own a strong chance at a medal, potentially gold if they navigate the bracket.
Finland is the defending 2022 champs, but thinner without Barkov. Mikko Rantanen is the key. Overall, the Fins bring structured play and goaltending strength. Previously, the Fins had solid prelims (+11 GD). They are medal contenders but face a tougher road if the qualifiers upset.
Slovakia is a surprise top-4 seed. Specifically, they are gritty, opportunistic, and could upset in quarters.
Second Tier Contenders
Sweden is talented but inconsistent prelims. Correlate their classic defensive structure and goaltending with the potential for a run.
Czechia has upset potential in the qualifiers and boasts skilled forwards.
Switzerland is balanced and has beaten stronger teams before. Indeed, they are a sneaky threat.
Lower tier — Germany, Denmark, Latvia, France, Italy, unlikely to medal but could cause chaos in qualifiers.