Get ready for an ice-cold showdown that’s heating up the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics! The men’s hockey semifinals are here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. But here’s where it gets controversial: With NHL players back on Olympic ice for the first time since 2014, the question on everyone’s mind is—can the underdogs upset the favorites? Let’s dive into the matchups that have fans on the edge of their seats.
Friday’s Semifinals:
Canada vs. Finland (10:40 a.m. ET):
Canada, the top seed, is a powerhouse with a star-studded lineup. Led by 19-year-old phenom Macklin Celebrini—who’s already made history by scoring in four straight Olympic games—the Canadians are a force to be reckoned with. Celebrini’s five goals in the tournament so far have him atop the leaderboard, and his 81 points in 55 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks speak volumes. And this is the part most people miss: Canada’s goaltending, once a question mark, has been solidified by Jordan Binnington’s clutch saves, including a game-saving stop against Czechia’s Martin Necas.
But Finland isn’t here to roll over. Juuse Saros, their goaltender, has been a brick wall with a 1.49 GAA and a .938 save percentage. If Finland can replicate the urgency they showed in their overtime win against Switzerland, they might just pull off the upset. Bold prediction: Finland needs an early goal to rattle Canada’s confidence—or this could be a long day for the Finns.
United States vs. Slovakia (3:10 p.m. ET):
The U.S. team, led by defenseman Quinn Hughes, is on fire. Hughes’ game-winner against Sweden in overtime and his six-point streak have him tied for the longest assist streak by a defenseman in Olympic history. With 57 points in 52 NHL games this season, he’s a game-changer. But here’s the twist: Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovsky, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has been unstoppable with seven points in four games. Slovakia’s balanced attack and suffocating defense have frustrated opponents all tournament.
Controversial question: Can Slovakia’s team-first approach outmaneuver the U.S.’s star power? Or will Connor Hellebuyck’s stellar goaltending (0.98 GAA, .958 save percentage) shut down Slovakia’s hopes?
EDGE Stats to Watch:
- Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon and Macklin Celebrini dominate midrange goals and shots in the NHL this season.
- Quinn Hughes leads all defensemen in total skating distance (215.22 miles) and ranks third in midrange shots on goal.
Final Thoughts:
Canada and the U.S. are favorites, but Finland and Slovakia are no pushovers. What do you think? Will the underdogs rise, or will the powerhouses prevail? Let us know in the comments—this is one Olympic battle you won’t want to miss!
