Olympic Men, Quarterfinals on Wednesday, 18.02.2026, 21:10
From now on, there will only be great and even greater games at the Olympics! As far as the quarter-finals are concerned, this match is certainly the most interesting of the day.
The same applies to the United States in a weaker form as to the Canadian selection: a strong team that has been completely convincing at this Olympiad so far.
However, in the last few hours at Winamax Germany I am leaning more and more towards a USA Sweden tip on the legendary “Tre Kronor”.
The Scandinavians are also starting with a full NHL roster, and this last appearance against Latvia in particular gave me the impression that the necessary operating temperature to forge a medal from it could have been reached by now!
The Americans have won their last two games against Denmark (6-3) and Germany (5-1) confidently on paper. However, anyone who took a close look at the matches could get the impression that a slightly stronger squad could have caused them greater difficulties.
The results are so clear because the North Americans increased the tempo in the decisive phase and benefited from mistakes by their opponents. However, they do not need to hope for “gifts” of this kind against the Swedes.
Meanwhile, the pick SWE over 2.5 goals at odds of currently 1.90 arouses my interest immensely. Because especially the front row around Nylander, Kempe and Eriksson I liked very much against Latvia and could severely punish any negligence of the USA.
By the way, I also like the bet over 6.5 goals, because I expect some great offensive actions from the Swedes in any case. However, the same applies to their North American NHL colleagues.
The USA have always scored between five and six goals per game so far and always manage to iron out negligence in their own marking behaviour by increasing the speed.
Against a Scandinavian team that ticks similarly and currently does not enjoy strong support in the goalie position, it could rattle properly. Over 7.5 goals at 2.80 is therefore also a conceivable option.
Fancy a little taste of the offensive power on the ice? Just take a look at Nylander’s goal on YouTube to make it 5-1 against the Latvians.
William Nylander to score, meanwhile, is my favourite pick in terms of a player bet – not only because of the aforementioned dream goal against the Latvians, but also because of his general form.
The number 88 of the Tre Kronor has been struggling with injuries in the NHL since New Year’s Day, but when he was fit in between – as is currently the case – it rattled violently!
With the pressure he regularly creates in Milan on the right wing, he could embarrass Team USA again and again with his quick advances in exactly this position. He also scored in the last international match against the United States.
As far as the direct comparison is concerned, I would like to remind you of the only joint match that has a certain significance with regard to tonight due to its line-up.
What is meant is the duel at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025 – and lo and behold: The Tre Kronor squad, which was already interspersed with NHL professionals at that time, beat an equally great US roster 2-1.
Consequently, I am optimistic that the Scandinavians, who have now caught themselves, will be able to build on this success.
Conclusion: This will be a really gripping game, in which it gets heated from the first second. Perimeter checks will be mercilessly completed, and the intensity will remain high until the end.
Surprisingly, I personally see the Tre Kronor win in this match, possibly only in overtime! Because even if the victories of the Americans were more convincing on paper, the Swedes gave me the impression that they had finally “come together”.
The 5-1 victory over the Latvians came at exactly the right time, and even though they had one day less to regenerate, the prospect of being able to take revenge on the Finns in the fight for gold for the embarrassing 1:4 in the preliminary round will release further unimagined strength!
