The preliminary round of the men’s hockey tournament at the Winter Olympics wrapped up in Milan with a bang, and now the real fun begins. All 12 teams are moving on to the elimination stage, but four squads earned the golden ticket - a direct path to the quarterfinals - by dominating group play. Canada and the United States were among those flexing their muscle, while Switzerland and Slovakia also punched their tickets straight to the final eight.
Let’s break down how the final day of group play unfolded and what’s ahead in the knockout rounds.
Canada Dominates Group A
Team Canada didn’t just win Group A - they steamrolled through it. Their final group game was a statement: a 10-2 rout over France that showed off the kind of offensive depth and firepower that makes this squad a gold medal favorite.
Macklin Celebrini continued his breakout Olympic performance with two more goals and an assist. The 18-year-old phenom is playing with the poise of a veteran, and he’s doing it on a line with some of the game’s biggest names. Mark Stone, Sidney Crosby, and Connor McDavid each chipped in a goal and two assists - a terrifying trio of experience, skill, and speed that’s clicking at the perfect time.
Canada’s scoring came from everywhere. Tom Wilson, Devon Toews, Cale Makar, Bo Horvat, and Brandon Hagel all found the back of the net.
Wilson also dropped the gloves with Pierre Crincon after a big hit on Nathan MacKinnon, earning a game misconduct but no further discipline. It was a physical, emotional game, but Canada never lost control - they just kept piling on goals.
Through three games, Connor McDavid has nine points. That’s a point per period. Let that sink in.
Swiss Edge Czechia in a Thriller
Before Canada’s fireworks, we got a thriller between Switzerland and Czechia - arguably the best game of the tournament so far.
Switzerland pulled out a 4-3 overtime win in a back-and-forth battle that had everything: lead changes, clutch goals, and a raucous crowd in Milan that erupted when Dean Kukan buried the OT winner just 1:49 into the extra frame.
Roman Josi and Timo Meier gave the Swiss a 2-1 lead in the second period after Czechia struck first on a goal assisted by David Kampf. Radim Simek tied it early in the third, but Pius Suter - another former Blackhawk - answered back for Switzerland with under 12 minutes to go. Czechia kept pushing, and Martin Necas, who’d already assisted on two goals, tied it again with just over two minutes left.
It was a gutsy performance from both sides, but Switzerland came out sharper in overtime and got the job done. That win secures them a spot in the Playoff Round, where they’ll face Italy for a chance to reach the quarterfinals.
USA Sweeps Group C
Team USA wrapped up group play the way they started it - in control and on the scoreboard.
The Americans beat Germany 5-1 to finish a perfect 3-0 in Group C, earning them the No. 2 overall seed and a bye into the quarterfinals. Auston Matthews led the charge with two goals and an assist, continuing his strong two-way play and physical presence in the offensive zone. He’s not just scoring - he’s setting the tone.
Zach Werenski, Brock Faber, and Tage Thompson added goals for the U.S., while Connor Hellebuyck turned away 23 of 24 shots in net. The only blemish came from Tim Stutzle, who scored Germany’s lone goal.
The U.S. has been efficient, balanced, and disciplined so far. Now they’ll face the winner of Sweden vs. Latvia in the quarterfinals.
Denmark Gets on the Board
Denmark picked up its first win of the tournament by knocking off Latvia 4-2. Nick Olesen, who plays his club hockey in Czechia, had a standout performance with two goals and an assist. He was everywhere - skating hard, creating chances, and finishing when it mattered.
Nikolaj Ehlers scored the game-winner after Latvia had clawed back from a 2-0 deficit. Frederik Andersen was solid between the pipes, stopping 33 shots to seal the win. It wasn’t enough to earn a bye, but Denmark now heads into a Playoff Round matchup with Czechia carrying some momentum.
What’s Next: Elimination Round Set
With group play in the books, here’s how the elimination bracket shapes up:
Playoff Round - Tuesday, Feb. 17
- (6) Germany vs (11) France - 5:10 am CT
- (5) Switzerland vs (12) Italy - 5:10 am CT
- (8) Czechia vs (9) Denmark - 9:40 am CT
- (7) Sweden vs (10) Latvia - 2:10 pm CT
Quarterfinals - Wednesday, Feb. 18
- (3) Slovakia vs Germany/France winner - 5:10 am CT
- (1) Canada vs Czechia/Denmark winner - 9:40 am CT
- (4) Finland vs Switzerland/Italy winner - 11:10 am CT
- (2) United States vs Sweden/Latvia winner - 2:10 pm CT
Semifinals - Friday, Feb. 20
- Semifinal 1 - 9:40 am CT
- Semifinal 2 - 2:10 pm CT
Bronze Medal Game - Saturday, Feb. 21
- 1:40 pm CT
The path to the podium is officially set, and the stakes are only getting higher. Canada and the U.S. have looked every bit the part of contenders, but the knockout rounds are where legends are made - and where upsets can rewrite the script.
Buckle up. The medal chase is on.