Olympic Standings: Road to the Hockey Quarterfinals

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are underway, and the men’s hockey tournament – the first to feature NHL players since the 2014 Sochi Olympics – has reached a thrilling stage. The top four seeds have earned a bye to the quarterfinals, where they’ll face the winners of the qualification playoff games. Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming matchups and key players to watch.

Qualification Playoff 1: Switzerland vs. Italy

Switzerland (1-1-1-0, Group A) secured their spot after defeating Team France 4-0, falling to Team Canada 5-1, and edging out Team Czechia 4-3 in overtime. Forward Timo Meier is a key offensive threat, trailing only slightly behind the Olympic goal-scoring lead with three goals and four points in three games. However, the team faces a challenge with Kevin Fiala sidelined due to fractures in his lower left leg.

Italy (0-0-3-0, Group B) fought hard despite a winless preliminary round, losing to Team Sweden 5-2, Team Slovakia 3-2, and suffering a heavy defeat against Team Finland 11-0. Goalie Damian Clara, a recent Anaheim Ducks draft pick, has shown promise, stopping 46 of 49 shots against Sweden despite a cramping issue.

Key to Victory: Switzerland’s depth and experience, particularly on defense with Roman Josi, J.J. Moser, Dean Kukan, and Jonas Siegenthaler, will be crucial. Italy needs Clara to replicate his performance against Sweden and for the team to find the back of the net more consistently.

Matchup Outlook: Even without Fiala, Switzerland is the clear favorite, boasting advantages at forward, defense, and in net. The winner will face No. 4 seed Finland in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Qualification Playoff 2: Germany vs. France

Germany (1-0-2-0, Group C) defeated Team Denmark 3-1, lost to Team Latvia 4-3, and fell to Team USA 5-1. Leon Draisaitl, a star for the Edmonton Oilers, has been relatively quiet with one assist in his last two games but is expected to break out against France.

France (0-0-3-0, Group A) lost to Team Switzerland 4-0, Team Czechia 6-3, and Team Canada 10-2. Forward Alexandre Texier, who plays for the Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues, is the lone NHL player on France’s roster and will need to elevate his game.

Key to Victory: Germany needs Draisaitl, Tim Stutzle, JJ Peterka, and Moritz Seider to step up and maintain a strong defensive structure led by goalie Philipp Grubauer. France requires a stellar performance from their goaltender and a significant improvement in offensive production.

Matchup Outlook: Germany is favored, but France showed resilience in their game against Czechia. The winner will face No. 3 seed Slovakia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Qualification Playoff 3: Czechia vs. Denmark

Czechia (1-0-1-1, Group A) lost to Team Canada 5-0, defeated Team France 6-3, and lost to Team Switzerland 4-3 in overtime. David Pastrnak, a key player for the Boston Bruins, needs to find another gear in the single-elimination play.

Denmark (1-0-2-0, Group C) lost to Team Germany 3-1, Team USA 6-3, and defeated Team Latvia 4-2. Nikolaj Ehlers scored the game-winning goal against Latvia and is a key offensive player for Denmark.

Key to Victory: Czechia needs its top forwards – Pastrnak, Martin Necas, and Tomas Hertl – to lead the offensive charge. Denmark needs Frederik Andersen to continue his strong goaltending and find depth scoring.

Matchup Outlook: Czechia is expected to advance, but Denmark has shown the ability to compete. The winner will face No. 1 seed Canada in the quarterfinals.

Qualification Playoff 4: Sweden vs. Latvia

Sweden (2-0-1-0, Group B) defeated Team Italy 5-2, lost to Team Finland 4-1, and defeated Team Slovakia 5-3. Defenseman Rasmus Dahlin has been a standout player for Sweden.

Latvia (1-0-2-0, Group C) lost to Team USA 5-1, defeated Team Germany 4-3, and lost to Team Denmark 4-2. Zemgus Girgensons is Latvia’s No. 1 center and has been a key player.

Key to Victory: Sweden needs solid goaltending and to play with the same intensity they showed against Slovakia. Latvia needs strong goaltending and to generate enough offense to upset Sweden’s stingy defense.

Matchup Outlook: Sweden is a heavy favorite, but Latvia has some offensive skill. The winner will face No. 2 seed U.S. in the quarterfinals.

For more in-depth coverage of the Men’s Hockey action, visit NHL.com/Olympics.