Winter Olympics Hockey: Switzerland vs Italy, Germany vs France & More – Live Updates

Olympic Hockey Quarterfinal Picture Takes Shape in Milan

The quarterfinal matchups are beginning to crystallize at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina as the preliminary round winds down. Several teams secured their positions on Monday, while others face crucial contests to avoid elimination. Today’s action saw Switzerland, Germany, Sweden and Czechia all vying for favorable seeding in the knockout stage.

Switzerland Edges Past Italy in Overtime

Team Switzerland continued its strong showing, securing a hard-fought 4-3 overtime victory against Italy. J.J. Moser continues to be a key offensive contributor for the Swiss, currently leading all Swiss defensemen in tournament scoring with four points (one goal, three assists). Italy, despite the loss, demonstrated resilience throughout the preliminary round, finishing with a 0-0-3-0 record. This marked the latest chapter in a long-standing Olympic rivalry between the two nations, having previously met in the 1998 Nagano, 2002 Salt Lake City, 2006 Torino, 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Olympics, including a 3-3 tie at the 2006 Torino Games.

Germany Falls to France, Faces Uphill Battle

Germany suffered a setback in its Olympic campaign, falling 5-1 to France. Despite a strong start to the tournament, two consecutive losses – a 4-3 defeat to Latvia on Saturday and today’s result – have put their quarterfinal hopes in jeopardy. Forward Tim Stutzle remains a bright spot for Germany, leading the team with four goals in three games. France, led by forward Louis Boudon’s three points (two goals, one assist), secured a valuable result. The two teams had previously met once before in Winter Games with NHL players, a 2-0 win for Germany in the preliminaries at the Nagano Olympics on Feb. 10, 1998.

Sweden’s Offensive Power on Display

Team Sweden showcased its offensive prowess with a 5-3 win over Slovakia, wrapping up their preliminary games. The Swedes have been relentless in their attack, recording multiple 50-shot games – 51 against Slovakia and 60 against Italy – a feat unmatched by any other team in the tournament. Their ability to generate scoring chances will be a significant asset as they advance to the quarterfinals.

Latvia Falls to Denmark in Tight Contest

Latvia suffered a 4-2 loss to Denmark on Sunday. Zemgus Girgensons continues to impress, tying Sandis Ozolinsch’s record for the most assists by a Latvian skater in an Olympic tournament with NHL players, with four assists thus far. Sweden has historically dominated Latvia in Olympic competition featuring NHL players, winning both previous encounters: 6-1 at the 2006 Torino Olympics and 5-3 at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Czechia and Denmark Set for Quarterfinal Clash

Czechia narrowly missed victory, falling 4-3 in overtime to Switzerland on Sunday. Forward Martin Necas leads Czechia with five points (two goals, three assists) in three games. Denmark, buoyed by a 4-2 win over Latvia, saw Nikolaj Ehlers score his first career Olympic goal, proving to be the game-winner. While Denmark defeated Czechia at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, the two teams have never faced each other in Winter Games that include NHL players.

USA and Canada Continue Dominant Runs

Elsewhere in the tournament, Team USA continued its impressive form with a dominant 5-1 victory over Germany on Sunday, following earlier wins against Denmark (6-3) and Latvia (5-1). Canada also asserted its dominance, securing a resounding 10-2 win against France, solidifying their position as a co-favorite for the gold medal. These results underscore the strength of the North American teams as they head into the quarterfinals.

Shiffrin’s Olympic Struggles Continue

Away from the ice, American skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin continues to face challenges at the Milan Cortina Games. After a disappointing performance in the women’s team combined, she finished 11th in the women’s Alpine skiing giant slalom, won by Italy’s Federica Brignone. Despite a decorated career, Shiffrin’s Olympic campaign has been marked by near misses and unfulfilled expectations.

Jackson Falls Short in Speedskating Defense

Erin Jackson’s attempt to defend her 500m speedskating title fell short on Sunday, finishing fifth. Femke Kok of the Netherlands claimed gold, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 36.49 seconds. Jackson was only five-hundredths of a second away from a bronze medal, a narrow margin in the highly competitive event.

Looking Ahead: Quarterfinal Scenarios

With the preliminary round nearing completion, the focus shifts to the upcoming quarterfinals. The top teams from each group will advance, with the matchups determined by their final standings. The United States and Canada appear well-positioned to contend for the gold medal, but Switzerland, Sweden, and Czechia have also demonstrated the potential to make deep runs in the tournament. The coming days will be crucial as teams battle for a chance to compete for Olympic glory.