Welcome to our continued Olympics coverage at Last Word On Hockey, as we bring you predictions for the men’s ice hockey match between Team Canada and Team Switzerland. Let’s break down some key storylines and stats, and make our best guess at how the game might play out. Be sure to check us out for our complete coverage for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics right up to the Gold Medal game.
Milano Cortina Olympics Ice Hockey Predictions with Canada and Switzerland
Puck Drop: 3:10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
How to Watch: CBC, CBC Gem, ICI Télé, TSN, RDS2, USA TV Network, Peacock
Venue: Milana Santaguila Arena in Milan, Italy
The Olympic History for the Two Sides
The rivalry at the Olympics between Canada and Switzerland has been one-sided, but a couple times, it has also flipped in that designation. Their first meeting ever in Olympic men’s ice hockey competition, Canada won 33-0. That kind of skews their all-time goal differential, that sits at 87-10 in favour of Canada. The second time they met, Canada beat Switzerland 13-0. However, that tournament, the 1928 Olympics, saw Switzerland capture the first of its only two Olympic medals in men’s ice hockey. Their next medal came in the games when the two countries next met. This time it was much closer, only a 3-0 final score. Switzerland was host at those 1948 Winter Olympics, from St. Moritz. Both time Switzerland medaled, it was bronze. Meanwhile, Canada has nine gold medals, four silvers, and three bronzes through its Olympic history.
However, a couple of their most recent meetings have been very significant. In 2006 Torino Games, Switzerland topped Canada, for the only time in the two teams Olympic rivalry, 2-0. Canada has won eight of the two teams’ nine meetings. That loss was a sign things weren’t right for Canada, who would eventually bow out in the quarterfinals that year. Their next meeting, was in 2010 Vancouver, and close again. Canada narrowly edged them out, 3-2 by way of shootout. However, Canada did turn it around. The next, that was also the last, time the two teams faced each other, Canada downed Switzerland 5-1 at the 2018 Olympics.
There are reasons why Switzerland has been able to improve its fortunes against Canada, relevant to our Olympics hockey predictions. Switzerland has been able to produce strong goaltending, Akira Schmid being no exception on this year’s variation. They also have focused on developing the game in their country, and their domestic league has always been one of the stronger ones in Europe. In addition, they have made sure that they develop they own countrymen. It has shown in the rise in numbers of NHLers from Switzerland over recent years.
Team Canada’s Perspective Ahead of the Preliminary Round Matchup
Team Canada’s performance from the first game didn’t disappoint those expecting perfection from the group. They were able to set the tone early as their first two hits were by a couple guys by the names of Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Not who you’d expect to be throwing their weight around, but definitely a sign of the magnitude of the competition.
Canada’s first game out there was about getting rhythm with their lines. They seemed to do that. One line in particular that seemed to click was the Connor McDavid, Macklin Celebrini, and Tom Wilson combination. Even though the trio do play different games, collectively they cover all angles. Furthermore, Celebrini didn’t show any jitters as a youngster on the big stage. His deflection goal off a Cale Makar point shot against Czechia in the last minute of the first period was an example why.
Meanwhile, Wilson was able to establish physical play as the game went along, that really helped create space for his other two super-skilled linemates. Along with Celebrini’s goal, McDavid totaled three assists in the game. That included one of the sweetest combinations for all hockey fans, certainly all Canadian hockey fans to hear their names called. Sidney Crosby dished the puck down low to McDavid. McDavid, in full control, seemed to slow down time, working his way right beside the goalie, before a simple little flip, right to the blade of Nathan MacKinnon. That was the Canadians fourth goal of the game. Furthermore, it was the first power play goal, as they ended up one-for-two on the extra man advantage.
Overall in that game versus Czechia, Canada did a fine job of cutting off board play. They were to establish their physical play, and pinching the Czechs out along the boards, basically leading to elevated puck possession time.
The defence for Canada seemed to do their thing, as well. The pairing of Cale Makar and Devon Toews were as efficient as efficient could be. Furthermore, Drew Doughty was strong in puck battles in the Canadian zone. Also, Shea Theodore had some time on the power play. As the game went on, and the Canadians found out they’d have to continue without Josh Morrissey, Theodore kept seeing more and more ice time. He has eventually paired up with Colton Parayko.
As for Morrissey, if he is unable to go today, look for Travis Sanheim to slot in. At the end of the day yesterday, Morrissey’s status for Friday was uncertain.
If Canada can maintain these things, they will be fine for at least the remainder of the preliminary round. It is hard to get too far ahead of ourselves and claim that one game will win them the tournament, but they sure looked good against arguably the next best team in their group. Switzerland would be the team you could argue would challenge Czechia, especially based on early returns.
A Swiss Story
Canada will have to be weary of Switzerland, as per our Olympics hockey predictions discussion. They play a well-structured game, and have a lot of familiarity with their group, having played together either in the Swiss league, or also, along with their NHLers at the World Championships. Furthermore, they have some gamebreakers.
One player who stood out against Team France during their 4-0 victory yesterday was Kevin Fiala. Whenever he gets opportunities his speed, strength, and skill will be full display, and were in yesterday’s contest. He was one player that France found tough to contain. That will be similar for many of the teams in this tournament when Canada pairs up against them. When David Pastrnak or Martin Necas were given space, they were able to use their skill to generate attack against Canada. However, that ultimately ends up as a strength for Canada, as they know they can focus on teams’ high-end players, and worry about shutting them down.
Switzerland does have more of those type of players that Canada needs to watch closely. Timo Meier is a good example. He a 40-goal scorer in the past in the NHL, and hit the back of the net for Switzerland’s final two goals yesterday. Canada can’t let him go unmarked, or he will capitalize.
The Goaltending Matchup
In net, Jordan Binnington was calm and big in the net. Even when Czechia had some point blank chances, he was able to come up large. The David Kampf opportunity late in the first period, ended up as a turning point in the game.
Leonardo Genoni played in net yesterday for Switzerland, making 27 saves in the shutout victory. He has been instrumental in helping them at the last two World Hockey Championships. Switzerland won silver both times, and in 2025 he was named the tournament Most Valuable Player. That year he went 5-0-2 with a 0.99 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage with four shutouts, similar unreal.
It is likely that both teams switch it up. For Canada especially, they want Logan Thompson to see the net, before the medal round comes along. We expect he gets the call, but that isn’t confirmed as of print. Meanwhile, Schmid likely draws in for Switzerland, given his NHL experience. However, Genoni is more than capable, as he has shown.
We will add our roster disclaimer to please check social media for the latest updates to know for certainty.
Canada and Switzerland Olympics Hockey Predictions
Again, similar to yesterday’s thoughts, we think Canada is too skilled, too fast, and Switzerland, like Czechia before them, will find it difficult to contain their offence. Canada should be able to cruise to this one.
Prediction: Canada 4 – Switzerland 1
Main Photo Credit: Photo by Dale Preston/Getty Images
Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.