Canada and the United States kick off their gold medal chase

The lads’s hockey match at the 2026 Winter Olympics is formally underway in Milan, with NHL gamers again at the marquee worldwide competitors.

On Thursday, the giants of North America will take to the ice for the first time, with a full slate of video games that can see the remaining eight groups play their first match. Right here’s a preview of Thursday’s matches, together with some key gamers to keep watch over (all occasions listed in MT):

4:10 am – Switzerland vs. France

Gamers to observe: Alexandre Texier (FRA), Nico Hischier (SUI), Timo Meier (SUI), Roman Josi (SUI)

Set your alarms good and early should you’re hoping to catch this all-European match-up, as Switzerland tackle France to start the day. France had been final minute additions to this match, getting into in the place of the banned Russians. They’ve only one energetic NHLer in Alexandre Texier. Switzerland in the meantime has some attention-grabbing names, together with Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, defenceman Roman Josi, and goaltender Akira Schmid. Count on the Swiss to run away with this one.

8:40 am – Czechia vs. Canada

Gamers to observe: Jordan Binnington/Logan Thompson (Canada), David Pastrnak (CZE), Martin Necas (CZE)

Subsequent, Canada will get their Gold medal chase underway, taking over Czechia to open their Olympic marketing campaign. The Canadians gained final 12 months’s 4 Nations Face-Off and are coming into this one with an identical roster, boasting a robust offensive unit and a deep blue line. The query mark is available in between the pipes, the place it nonetheless hasn’t been revealed who will get the begin on Thursday. Jordan Binnington carried Canada to glory at 4 Nations, however Logan Thompson has put up a lot better numbers in the NHL this 12 months. No matter who begins, it’ll be a storyline to observe.

Czechia will face an uphill battle in the event that they need to come away from this match with any factors, counting on getting manufacturing from their prime forwards in Martin Necas, Tomas Hertl, and David Pastrnak.

1:10 pm – Germany vs. Denmark

Gamers to observe: Leon Draisaitl (GER), Oliver Bjorkstrand (DEN), Nikolaj Ehlers (DEN)

Considered one of the finest hockey gamers in the world was left sidelined by final 12 months’s 4 Nations Face-Off, however now Leon Draisaitl will lastly get his likelihood to point out off his expertise in worldwide best-on-best competitors. Led by the celebrity Edmonton Oilers ahead, Germany is a dark-horse candidate for a medal, and that marketing campaign begins as they face off towards Denmark on Thursday afternoon. Germany is favoured right here, however can the likes of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Nikolaj Ehlers assist give Denmark the win?

1:10 pm – Latvia vs. United States

Gamers to observe: Auston Matthews (USA), Jack Eichel (USA), Arturs Silovs/Elvis Merzlikins (LAT),

Simply the most lopsided matchup of the day, the United States start their personal Gold medal marketing campaign towards the low-ranked Latvians. The Individuals completed second at 4 Nations, and haven’t gained a medal in males’s hockey since incomes silver in Vancouver (they final gained Gold in 1980). With Auston Matthews main an offensive group that features Jack Eichel and the Tkachuk brothers, anticipate Workforce USA to make gentle work of the Latvians. Latvia do have a stable goaltending tandem in Arturs Silovs and Elvis Merzlikins, however it is going to be a tall job to close down the American offence.

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