Published Feb 11, 3:41am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 11, 3:41am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Feb 11, 3:41am ET
Competitive action in the ice hockey event at the Winter Olympics is set for Feb 12, as Germany and Denmark collide in Milan. Find the odds and our picks here.
Denmark have enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence in the sport in recent years, finishing the latest World Championships in fourth.
However, Germany have also made strides in the sport, most famously claiming a historic silver at the Winter Olympics in 2018.
|
|
|---|---|
| Germany | -265 |
| Denmark | +225 |
The USA are largely expected to dominate Group C, but the race for the second qualifying spot will make for fascinating viewing.
Germany have made incredible progress under Harold Kreis, taking silver at the World Championships in 2023, before finishing sixth and ninth in 2024 and 2025, respectively. However, Germany underperformed in the previous Olympic cycle, managing to finish only tenth under Toni Soderholm.
Big pressure will be put on the nation’s most famous players, including Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, who will captain his country in Italy.
Denmark had endured a period in the wilderness, but they look to be back among the leading European nations heading into the Winter Olympics.
The Danes currently sit tenth in the world rankings, and they are coached by Mikael Gath. This will only be the nation’s second appearance at the Olympics, having finished a very impressive seventh in 2022.
Further positives can be taken from last year’s World Championships, finishing a best-ever fourth. Denmark will have a number of NHL stars in their roster for the tournament, including Nikolaj Ehler of the Carolina Hurricanes and Jonas Rondbjerg of the Vegas Golden Knights.
| TOTAL | Germany | Denmark | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 30 | 19 | 11 | - |
| GOALS | 157 | 90 | 67 |
This will be a pivotal clash between two nations likely fighting for the second qualifying spot in Group C.
However, Denmark have made great progress over the last couple of years, and they look like a well-balanced team across the ice. Therefore, they could be the value play to upset the odds at the Winter Olympics when making picks.
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Pick
Denmark
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