Get the full scoop on Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Group B. We break down the rosters, schedules, and medal hopes for Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, and host Italy.
The wait is finally over. For the first time since 2014, the best of the best are back on the world’s biggest stage. As the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 officially kick off this Wednesday, all eyes are on Group B. With a mix of perennial powerhouses and rising stars, this group is widely considered the “Group of Death” for a reason.
Group B Breakdown: Teams & Key Figures
| Team | Captain | Key NHL Stars | 2022 Result |
| Sweden | Gabriel Landeskog | Hedman, Nylander, Dahlin | 4th Place |
| Finland | Mikael Granlund | Rantanen, Aho, Hintz | Gold Medal |
| Slovakia | Tomas Tatar | Slafkovsky, Nemec, Cernak | Bronze Medal |
| Italy | Thomas Larkin | Damian Clara (Prospect) | Host Nation |
Sweden: The Defensive Juggernaut
If you like elite defense, Team Sweden is your squad for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Led by captain Gabriel Landeskog—who made a miraculous recovery from a January injury to lead his country—the “Tre Kronor” are built from the back end out.
With a top four featuring legends Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson alongside young superstars Rasmus Dahlin and Gustav Forsling, Sweden has the most mobile and dangerous blueline in the tournament. Up front, William Nylander and Mika Zibanejad provide the “game-breaking” skill needed to challenge for gold. Their biggest test comes early: a grudge match against Finland on February 13 that could decide the group winner.
Finland: Defending Champions Face Adversity
The Finns enter the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 as the defending gold medalists, but the road to a repeat just got a lot harder. Finland is reeling from the loss of superstar captain Aleksander Barkov, who is sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
In his absence, veteran Mikael Granlund takes the “C.” While the Finnish system is famous for its “Sisu” (grit) and organization, they will need huge performances from Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho. The goaltending situation is also a bit of a question mark, with Juuse Saros looking to find his peak form at the perfect time. Never count the Finns out; they thrive as the underdog.
Slovakia: The Young Rebels
Watch out for Slovakia. They shocked the world with a bronze in Beijing, and at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, they are even more dangerous. This team is built around the “2022 Draft Duo”: Juraj Slafkovsky (No. 1 overall) and Simon Nemec (No. 2 overall).
Slovakia plays a fearless, heavy game. With veteran Tomas Tatar providing leadership and Erik Cernak anchoring the defense, they have the physical tools to upset the giants. If Slafkovsky can replicate the MVP performance he had four years ago, Slovakia won’t just be “happy to be here”—they’ll be hunting for another medal.
Italy: The Pride of the Host Nation
Team Italy knows they are the underdogs of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, but don’t expect them to roll over. Coached by Jukka Jalonen—the mastermind behind Finland’s 2022 gold—the Italians are looking to play a disciplined, defensive style.
The player to watch is young goaltender Damian Clara. As the only NHL prospect on the roster, Clara represents the future of Italian hockey. Playing at home in Milano, the energy from the crowd could lead to a “scare” for one of the top seeds in the preliminary round.
Conclusion
Group B is a fascinating mix of veteran leadership and youthful explosion. Whether it’s Sweden’s star-studded defense or Slovakia’s rising stars, the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 is set for an incredible opening week. The journey to the gold medal game on February 22 starts right here, and the margin for error is non-existent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the favorite to win Group B?
Most experts point to Sweden as the favorite due to their incredible defensive depth and the return of Gabriel Landeskog.
2. Is Aleksander Barkov playing in the Olympics?
No, the Florida Panthers captain is unfortunately out for the season and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 following ACL/MCL surgery.
3. When is the gold medal game?
The men’s hockey gold medal game is scheduled for the final day of the Olympics, Sunday, February 22.
4. Where are the hockey games being played?
The games are being held at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milano.
5. How can I watch the 2026 Olympic hockey games?
In the United States, games are televised on NBC and Peacock. In Canada, coverage is provided by CBC and TSN.
