Key Takeaways from Day 7 of the Olympics

Bassyonni

Published: February 18, 2026 7:26 AM ET

Key Takeaways from Day 7 of the Olympics

The men’s hockey tournament qualifying playoffs at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 took place on Tuesday. The match results from Day 7 saw significant victories and crucial performances as teams aimed for advancement.

Day 7 Key Facts from the Men’s Hockey Tournament

Team Germany eliminated Team France with a score of 5-1.
Team Switzerland triumphed over Team Italy, winning 3-0.
Team Czechia narrowly defeated Team Denmark with a score of 3-2.
Team Sweden secured a solid win against Team Latvia, finishing 5-1.

Markstrom Shines for Team Sweden

Jacob Markstrom has emerged as a key player for Team Sweden. He has delivered two outstanding performances in recent games. Markstrom, the goaltender for the New Jersey Devils, made 20 saves against Latvia in the qualification round. This follows his 29 saves during a previous match against Team Slovakia.

Despite a shaky moment allowing a third goal late in a prior game, Markstrom has shown reliability. Team Sweden’s coach, Sam Hallam, faces a decision on whether to start him again against Team USA in the upcoming quarterfinals. Markstrom may have to play on consecutive nights, but his current form makes him the likely favorite.

Cautious Approach with Goaltending Decisions

In previous matches, teammate Filip Gustavsson struggled, contributing to Team Sweden’s precarious position in the tournament. In his two starts, Gustavsson allowed three early goals in a win against Team Italy and a loss to Team Finland.

He was absent from Tuesday’s game, with Jesper Wallstedt stepping in as the backup goalie. This strategic choice raises questions about Gustavsson’s readiness for the quarterfinals against the USA. The situation illustrates coach Hallam’s cautious strategy in navigating the knockout stages of the competition.

Conclusion

As the tournament progresses, key players like Markstrom will be crucial for Sweden’s chances. With the quarterfinals looming, fans are eager to see how performances from Day 7 affect the upcoming matches.