Preview: Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Qualification Playoffs

The qualifying playoffs for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics are underway, showcasing intense matchups among top national ice hockey teams. Several teams, including Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and others, are competing for a spot in the upcoming games.

Match Previews

No. 5 Switzerland vs. No. 12 Italy

The matchup between Team Switzerland and Team Italy starts at 6:10 a.m. ET. Switzerland holds a record of 1-1-1-0 and stands second in Group A. They recently claimed a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over Czechia. J.J. Moser of the Tampa Bay Lightning leads Swiss defensemen with four points, consisting of one goal and three assists.

On the other hand, Team Italy finished the preliminary rounds with a record of 0-0-3-0, placing fourth in Group B. Historically, the two teams have faced off in five previous Winter Olympics, with their last meeting resulting in a 3-3 tie during the Torino Olympics on February 21, 2006.

No. 6 Germany vs. No. 11 France

This match will also take place at 6:10 a.m. ET. Germany, with a record of 1-0-2-0, stands second in Group C but has suffered two consecutive defeats. Tim Stutzle from the Ottawa Senators is the leading scorer for Germany, netting four goals in three games.

France, yet to secure a win, has a preliminary round record of 0-0-3-0. Louis Boudon leads the French team with three points, including two goals and one assist. Both teams have encountered each other once before in Olympic history, where Germany won 2-0 during the Nagano Olympics on February 10, 1998.

No. 7 Sweden vs. No. 10 Latvia

Scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET, Team Sweden enters with a record of 2-0-1-0, finishing third in Group B. They recently defeated Slovakia 5-3, showcasing impressive shot totals with 51 shots against Slovakia and 60 against Italy.

Latvia enters this game with a record of 1-0-2-0 after their loss to Denmark. Zemgus Girgensons has contributed four assists, tying a record set by Sandis Ozolinsch during the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002. Sweden has previously won two encounters against Latvia in Winter Games involving NHL players.

No. 8 Czechia vs. No. 9 Denmark

This matchup is set for 10:40 a.m. ET. Czechia currently holds a record of 1-0-1-1, ranking third in Group A, following a 4-3 overtime loss to Switzerland. Martin Necas from the Colorado Avalanche leads Czechia with five points, including two goals and three assists.

Denmark, with a record of 1-0-2-0, celebrated their first tournament victory by defeating Latvia 4-2. Nikolaj Ehlers from the Carolina Hurricanes scored the game-winning goal, marking his first Olympic goal. Historically, Denmark defeated Czechia in the Beijing Olympics, but they have never faced each other in Winter Games with NHL players.

Key Takeaways

• Switzerland leads Group A, showing strength with their overtime victory.
• Germany is in a battle to rebound from recent losses.
• Sweden is demonstrating offensive prowess with high shot counts.
• Denmark is looking to build momentum off their recent win.

As the playoffs progress, teams are eager to secure their places in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Fans can follow these exciting matchups on Peacock and CBC platforms.