Preview: 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics Qualification Playoff Games
The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics are approaching, and the qualification playoff games showcase some of the world’s elite hockey teams. Teams are vying for a final chance to secure a spot in this prestigious event.
Overview of the Qualification Playoff Games
This segment highlights key matchups from the recent playoffs, featuring teams with rich Olympic histories and NHL representation. Here’s a breakdown of notable games and players.
Switzerland vs. Italy
- Match Time: 6:10 a.m. ET
- Outcome: Switzerland defeated Czechia 4-3 in overtime.
- Player Spotlight: J.J. Moser from the Tampa Bay Lightning led Swiss defensemen with four points (one goal, three assists) throughout the tournament.
- Italy’s Performance: Italy ended the preliminaries with a record of 0-0-3-0, finishing fourth in Group B.
- Historical Context: This match marks the second Olympics matchup between Switzerland and Italy featuring NHL players.
Germany vs. France
- Match Time: 6:10 a.m. ET
- Recent Performance: Germany experienced consecutive preliminary round losses, falling 4-3 to Latvia and 5-1 to Team USA.
- Leading Player: Tim Stutzle of the Ottawa Senators is Germany’s top scorer with four goals in three games.
- France Status: France also struggled in the preliminaries, finishing 0-0-3-0.
- Previous Encounter: The two teams previously met at the Nagano Olympics, where Germany won 2-0.
Sweden vs. Latvia
- Match Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
- Last Game: Sweden recently secured a 5-3 victory against Slovakia.
- Shots Record: Sweden is notable for taking multiple 50-shot games in this Olympic year.
- Latvia’s Recent Results: Latvia lost 4-2 to Denmark in their last match.
- Player Highlights: Zemgus Girgensons matches the Olympic record for Latvian assists, with four assists thus far in the tournament.
Czechia vs. Denmark
- Match Time: 10:40 a.m. ET
- Recent Matchup: Czechia lost 4-3 in overtime to Switzerland.
- Key Player: Martin Necas from the Colorado Avalanche leads Czechia with five points (two goals, three assists).
- Denmark’s Victory: Denmark achieved their first win this tournament against Latvia, with Nikolaj Ehlers scoring the game-winning goal.
- Previous Results: While Denmark previously defeated Czechia in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, this will be their first face-off in Winter Games with NHL players.
As the qualification playoff games continue, teams are eager to prove their worth ahead of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. This season’s competition is heating up, showcasing talent that will be remembered as athletes make their Olympic aspirations a reality.
