2026 Milano Cortina Olympics Qualification Playoff Games Preview

The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics are in full swing, and the men’s hockey tournament, featuring NHL players for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Olympics, has completed its preliminary rounds. Now, all 12 teams are gearing up for an exciting single-elimination playoff that will culminate in the gold medal game on February 22. The top three seeds, including Canada, the United States, and Slovakia, along with Finland, will receive a bye into the quarterfinals.

Let’s take a closer look at the qualification playoff games happening on Tuesday:

Switzerland, ranked No. 5, will face off against Italy, ranked No. 12, at 6:10 a.m. ET. Switzerland, finishing second in Group A, secured a thrilling overtime victory against Team Czechia with a score of 4-3. Keep an eye on J.J. Moser from the Tampa Bay Lightning, who leads the Swiss team with four points in three games. Italy, who finished fourth in Group B with a record of 0-0-3-0, will look to shake things up against Switzerland.

Germany, ranked No. 6, will go head-to-head with France, ranked No. 11, also at 6:10 a.m. ET. Germany, coming off two consecutive losses in the preliminary round, will rely on forward Tim Stutzle from the Ottawa Senators, who boasts an impressive four goals in three games. On the other side, France will look to forward Louis Boudon for leadership as they aim to upset Germany.

Another matchup worth watching is Czechia, ranked No. 8, taking on Denmark, ranked No. 9, at 10:40 a.m. ET. Czechia, finishing third in Group A, is looking for redemption after a 4-3 overtime loss to Switzerland. Forward Martin Necas from the Colorado Avalanche has been a standout player for Czechia with five points in three games. Denmark secured their first victory of the tournament against Latvia and will aim to build on that success.

And finally, Sweden, ranked No. 7, will clash with Latvia, ranked No. 10, at 3:10 p.m. ET. With a strong performance against Slovakia in the preliminary rounds, Team Sweden is a force to be reckoned with, boasting a high number of shots on goal. Latvia, coming off a loss to Denmark, will look to Zemgus Girgensons for playmaking as they take on Sweden.

These qualification playoff games promise to deliver plenty of action and excitement as teams battle it out for a chance at Olympic glory. Stay tuned for more updates from the Milano Cortina Olympics!