Get ready for an intense day of Olympic men's hockey! The final day of the preliminary round will decide the group titles and set the stage for the knockout stages. The battle for Group C is a must-watch!
In Milan, Italy, the 2026 Winter Olympics are heating up, and the men's hockey tournament is reaching its climax. Canada and Slovakia have already secured their groups, but the USA and Germany are going head-to-head for the Group C title on Sunday, February 15th, at 3:10 p.m. ET. This game is a crucial watch, as it will determine not only the group winner but also potentially the overall top seed in the tournament.
Here's the exciting part: if the USA wins in regulation time, they clinch Group C and could also secure the top overall seed, depending on goal differential. Germany, on the other hand, needs a win against the Americans to claim the group title. But here's where it gets controversial - if Latvia also wins in regulation, a three-way tie could occur, and goal differential in head-to-head meetings will decide the group winner. It's a complex scenario, but one that adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
Winning the group is a big deal, as it grants the top four seeds (group winners and the best second-place team) a bye to the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams will have to battle it out in the qualifying round, with only four advancing to the next stage. So, the pressure is on for these teams to perform and secure their place in the knockout stages.
USA TODAY Sports will be covering all the hockey action, and we've got some early results to share. Canada dominated France, running up the score to a massive 10-2 victory. This win puts Canada at the top of Group A with a plus-17 goal differential. The game wasn't without its moments, as France's Pierre Credon and Canada's Tom Wilson got into a bit of a scuffle in the third period.
In another Group A match, Switzerland and Czechia went into overtime for the first time in the 2026 Winter Olympic men's hockey tournament. Dean Kukan scored the winning goal for Switzerland, firing the puck over the netminder's shoulder. The Swiss are now eagerly awaiting the outcome of the other matches to determine their seeding for the qualifying round on Tuesday.
The Swiss had to overcome the absence of their top player, Kevin Fiala, who suffered an injury in a previous game. Dean Kukan, the hero of the overtime win, reflected on the importance of securing the second seeding and the team's determination to perform without their star player.
So, as we head into the final day of the preliminary round, all eyes are on Group C. Will the USA clinch the group title and potentially the top seed? Or will Germany pull off an upset? And what about Latvia's chances? It's a thrilling scenario, and one that will keep hockey fans on the edge of their seats.
Here's the schedule for today's Olympic men's hockey action (all times Eastern):
- 6:10 a.m. - Switzerland vs. Czechia, Group A on CNBC, Peacock
- 10:40 a.m. - Canada vs. France, Group A on USA, Peacock
- 3:10 p.m. - USA vs. Germany, Group C on USA, Peacock
- 3:10 p.m. - Denmark vs. Latvia, Group C on CNBC, Peacock
You can catch all the games live on Peacock. Don't miss a moment of the action!
The tournament format is simple: 12 teams divided into three groups, with each team playing one game against the other three teams in their group. Points are awarded as follows: three for a regulation win, two for an overtime win, one for an overtime/shootout loss, and zero for a regulation loss. After the preliminary round, teams are seeded based on group position, points, goal difference, goals scored, and IIHF world ranking.
The playoff qualification games will take place on February 17th, with the quarterfinals on February 18th and semifinals on February 20th. The bronze medal game is scheduled for February 21st, and the highly anticipated gold medal game will be played on Sunday, February 22nd.
So, who do you think will emerge as the Olympic men's hockey champions? Will the USA's quest for gold be successful, or will another team steal the spotlight? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your insights and opinions on this exciting tournament.
