Home / Sports / Slovakia Shocks Hockey World at 2026 Olympics
Slovakia Shocks Hockey World at 2026 Olympics
16 Feb
Summary
- Slovakia's Olympic hockey odds surged to 47% after strong preliminary wins.
- Switzerland's men's team leads in scoring chances above expected.
- Team USA's young stars are leading their charge for gold.
Slovakia has defied expectations at the 2026 Olympic men's hockey tournament, transforming from an underdog to a legitimate medal contender. Their preliminary round performance, marked by wins against Finland and a crucial late goal against Sweden, has dramatically increased their semifinal chances to 47 percent. Juraj Slafkovský has been a standout, leading the team with 11 slot shots and six points in three games.
Switzerland's men's team is also making waves, leading the tournament with 11.7 scoring chances above expected, driven by Roman Josi and other key forwards. On the women's side, Switzerland's upset victory over Finland was powered by an outstanding performance from goalie Andrea Brändli and a record-tying Olympic performance by Alina Müller.
Sweden faces goaltending challenges with Filip Gustavsson and Jacob Markström struggling, significantly impacting their medal odds. Filip Forsberg's limited ice time has also raised questions about their offensive strategy. In contrast, Team USA's women's team is showcasing formidable young talent like Hannah Bilka and Laila Edwards, positioning them as strong gold medal contenders.
Canada's men's team relies on its "MVP line" of Macklin Celebrini, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon, though concerns about a top-heavy lineup persist. Marie-Philip Poulin's return has bolstered Canada's women's team, but their past struggles against Team USA remain a factor. Team USA's men's team sees strong performances from Jack Hughes and Auston Matthews, while Czechia faces a tough path after an upset loss to Switzerland.
