Several matchups are scheduled for shortly after noon. In Group C, Germany will face Latvia. The German team successfully navigated their opening match against Denmark, whereas the Latvian team, as expected, fell short against the United States. Germany has won their last three contests against Latvia, including a decisive 8-1 victory two years ago in Ostrava.
The situation in Group B is particularly complex, with three teams vying for direct advancement to the quarterfinals. The Sweden versus Slovakia match will be especially revealing. Currently, Slovakia holds the most favorable position heading into the final games. A single point against Sweden will guarantee their first-place finish. Though, it’s also possible that all three teams could end up with six points.
Sweden is not a frequent opponent for Slovakia. At the World Championships, the two teams have met only twice in the last five years, with Sweden winning both matches convincingly (5-0 and 6-1). However, Slovakia’s most recent victory is significant, coming four years ago at the Beijing Olympics in the bronze medal game.
At 4:40 PM, Finland could also make a case for direct advancement from the same group with their duel against host Italy. Overall goal difference will likely play a role. Since 1992, Finland has faced the host of this year’s Games a total of eight times and has never lost. In the last three matchups, they haven’t even conceded a goal.
Saturday’s schedule concludes with a match between the USA and Denmark (9:10 PM). Here, too, the historical record favors the strong favorite. The Americans have won seven consecutive games against their Nordic rivals and haven’t conceded a goal in the last two encounters. Denmark last scored against the United States in 2019.
Olympics 2026 in Milan and Cortina
The Olympic hockey tournament in Milan and Cortina continues with several key matchups on Saturday, February 14, 2026, that will significantly impact the standings in both Group B and Group C. These games are crucial as teams compete for direct advancement to the quarterfinals.
In Group C, Germany will face Latvia following Germany’s successful opening game against Denmark. Latvia will be looking to rebound after a loss to the United States. Germany has historically dominated this matchup, winning the last three games, including a substantial 8-1 victory in 2024.
Group B is shaping up to be a tight competition, with Sweden and Slovakia set to play a pivotal game. Slovakia currently holds a favorable position, needing only a single point to secure first place. However, a three-way tie with six points for each team remains a possibility, adding to the intensity of the competition.
Finland will also be in action, taking on Italy, with goal difference potentially becoming a deciding factor. Finland boasts an undefeated record against Italy since 1992, having never lost in eight encounters and keeping clean sheets in their last three matches.
The United States will close out the day against Denmark, a team they have consistently defeated in recent years, winning their last seven games and preventing Denmark from scoring in the last two. These results highlight the competitive landscape of the Olympic hockey tournament and the importance of each game as teams strive for medal contention.
