The Athletic is providing real-time coverage of the intriguing matchup between the USA and Finland in the preliminary round of women’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics. With the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage, the dynamics of the men’s hockey tournament have shifted, bringing back traditional powerhouses such as Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland to the forefront. This year’s games promise to be highly competitive and unpredictable, reminiscent of previous Olympic tournaments that showcased surprising performances.
From 2014 to 2022, during a period without NHL participation, the men’s hockey landscape became much more open, leading to unexpected outcomes like Russia’s gold medal victory over Germany in Pyeongchang and Finland’s win against Russia in Beijing. The success of smaller hockey nations, such as Slovakia earning bronze in 2022, indicates that the tournament can yield surprising results in a single-elimination format.
As part of The Athletic’s player polling, NHL players identified the Czech Republic as a notable dark horse for the upcoming Olympics. With a strong roster featuring 13 NHL players, including goaltenders Lukáš Dostál, Karel Vejmelka, and Dan Vladar, there is optimism surrounding their potential performance. Goaltending remains a critical factor in these high-stakes tournaments, and the Czechs have shown they can be competitive on this international stage.
Quotes from NHL players highlight the Czechs’ recent successes and their reputation for playing a disciplined game that combines skilled scoring with solid defense. The presence of talented forwards, including David Pastrňák, Martin Nečas, and Tomáš Hertl, adds to their capability to challenge higher-ranked teams.
Other countries also received recognition in the polling. Switzerland, with stars like Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Roman Josi, is seen as a formidable contender due to their consistent performances in recent World Championships. Similarly, Germany has garnered attention with stars like Leon Draisaitl and Tim Stützle, who could offer surprising performances dependent on their special teams play.
Latvia, too, has the potential to create a stir in the competition, especially if they can lean on their goaltenders who are capable of stealing games in high-pressure situations, reminiscent of their dramatic displays in past tournaments.
This Winter Olympics promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination, with the potential for underdog teams to rise against the giants of the sport, creating excitement for fans and players alike.