The wait is finally over. After 12 long years, the NHL’s elite are returning to the Olympic stage in Milan-Cortina. For Canadians, anything less than Gold is a disappointment. With a roster featuring the generational brilliance of Connor McDavid, the veteran leadership of Sidney Crosby, and the explosive power of Nathan MacKinnon, Team Canada enters the 2026 Winter Olympics as the undisputed team to beat.
🏆 The Odds: Can Anyone Stop the Great White North?
The betting markets are live, and the oddsmakers at bet365 have Canada positioned as the heavy favorite. However, a stacked USA squad and the tactical prowess of the Scandinavians are looming large.
Tournament Outright Winner
| Nation | Odds |
| Canada | +120 |
| USA | +275 |
| Sweden | +850 |
| Finland | +1200 |
| Czechia | +2700 |
Top Point Getter (The Race for the Scoring Title)
Canadians dominate the board here. The connection between McDavid and his linemates is expected to be lethal.
- Connor McDavid (CAN): +900
- Jack Eichel (USA): +1900
- Mikko Rantanen (FIN): +1600
- Sidney Crosby (CAN): +3200
Top Goal Scorer
- Nathan MacKinnon (CAN): +1000
- David Pastrnak (CZE): +1600
- Auston Matthews (USA): +2400
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🏒 Team Canada’s Group & Schedule
Canada headlines Group A. The goal is simple: win the group to secure a bye directly to the Quarter-Finals.
- Group A: Canada, Switzerland, Czechia, France
- Group B: Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy
- Group C: USA, Germany, Latvia, Denmark
Tournament Format: The top 4 teams overall receive a bye. Teams ranked 5th through 12th play a qualification playoff round to stay alive.
⚡ NHL Impact: By the Numbers
The 2026 Games are a massive logistical feat for the NHL, and the talent distribution is fascinating:
- 149: Total NHL players competing in the tournament.
- 32/32: Every single NHL franchise has at least one player represented in Milan.
- 10: The Tampa Bay Lightning lead the league with 10 players heading to the Olympics.
- The Age Gap: Canada features both the youngest star in the league, Macklin Celebrini (19), and the legendary Sidney Crosby (38).
🏒 Team Canada Men’s Hockey: 2026 Preliminary Round
Group A: Canada 🇨🇦, Switzerland 🇨🇭, Czechia 🇨🇿, France 🇫🇷
| Opponent | Date | PST (Vancouver) | MST (Calgary) | CST (Winnipeg) | EST (Toronto) | AST (Halifax) | NST (St. John’s) |
| vs. Czechia | Thu, Feb 12 | 7:40 AM | 8:40 AM | 9:40 AM | 10:40 AM | 11:40 AM | 12:10 PM |
| vs. Switzerland | Fri, Feb 13 | 12:10 PM | 1:10 PM | 2:10 PM | 3:10 PM | 4:10 PM | 4:40 PM |
| vs. France | Sun, Feb 15 | 7:40 AM | 8:40 AM | 9:40 AM | 10:40 AM | 11:40 AM | 12:10 PM |
🏆 The Path to Gold: Knockout Stage
If Canada qualifies as a top seed (highly likely), here are the projected times for the medal rounds.
| Round | Date | PST | MST | CST | EST | AST | NST |
| Quarter-Finals | Wed, Feb 18 | TBD* | TBD* | TBD* | TBD* | TBD* | TBD* |
| Semi-Finals | Fri, Feb 20 | 7:40 AM | 8:40 AM | 9:40 AM | 10:40 AM | 11:40 AM | 12:10 PM |
| Bronze Medal | Sat, Feb 21 | 5:40 AM | 6:40 AM | 7:40 AM | 8:40 AM | 9:40 AM | 10:10 AM |
| Gold Medal Game | Sun, Feb 22 | 5:10 AM | 6:10 AM | 7:10 AM | 8:10 AM | 9:10 AM | 9:40 AM |
Note: Quarter-final times depend on seeding (slots vary from 3:10 AM to 12:10 PM ET). Set your alarms!
📺 Broadcast Quick-Guide
- Primary Broadcaster: CBC / CBC Gem (Free streaming for Canadians)
- Secondary Channels: Sportsnet (SN) and TSN
- Radio: CBC Radio One will have select live updates and play-by-play.
💡 Pro-Tip for the Milan Games
Milan is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Most of the marquee Canadian games are scheduled for the late afternoon in Italy (16:40 or 21:10 local time), which means “Lunchtime Hockey” for Central and Eastern Canada, and “Breakfast Hockey” for the West Coast.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does Team Canada play its first game?
The men’s tournament begins on February 11, 2026. Specific puck drop times for Canada’s opening game against France will be broadcast on CBC and Sportsnet.
Is Sidney Crosby the captain?
While not officially announced, Crosby is the heavy favorite to wear the “C” for what will likely be his final Olympic appearance, passing the torch to McDavid.
What happens if a game ends in a tie?
In the preliminary round, teams get 1 point for a regulation tie. A 5-minute 3-on-3 overtime follows, then a shootout. The winner of the OT/Shootout gets an additional point (2 points total).
Can I bet on individual player props?
Yes, markets like “Player to Score a Goal,” “Total Assists,” and “Tournament MVP” are available on platforms like bet365 as we approach the opening puck drop.
Author:
Lucas Portela
Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP
Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.