Finland hold a narrow edge through defensive structure and head-to-head consistency, but Slovakia’s top line can pressure in open ice. The main risk comes from Finland controlling pace early and limiting total shot volume. Best Bet: Total goals over 5.0

MILAN -- The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 men’s hockey tournament begins Wednesday when the 12 nations compete in three groups. Group A consists of Canada, Czechia, France and Switzerland. Finland, Italy, Sweden and Slovakia will play in Group B. Group C features Denmark, Germany, Latvia and the United States.

A former NHL star is ready to lead his country in Milan. On Monday, the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation announced that forward Tomas Tatar will be the captain of the men’s ice hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The 26-year-old forward will represent Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina; the lone Calgary Flames player selected for the tournament. Pospisil will trade in the Flames’ red and yellow for Slovakia’s blue, red, and white as he prepares for his first Olympic appearance.

The 2026 Olympic men's hockey tournament officially begins on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with the preliminary rounds, and it's shaping up to be an intense run of games between 12 teams. What makes the 2026 Olympics stand of is that it brings the return of NHL players,

Minnesota Duluth netminder Adam Gajan has been the glue for the Bulldogs this season, as UMD finds itself No. in the

The opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics is complete at Milan's San Siro Stadium. Featuring simultaneous ceremonies in the mountain towns of Cortina, Livigno and Predazzo, the day's festivities included performances from Mariah Carey,

NHL stars have landed in Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This marks the league's return after a 12-year break. Players from top nations like Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland are preparing for the tournament.