The men's ice hockey event at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games has entered its final phase, with only four teams in the running for a place in the gold medal match. Following a thrilling quarter-final round, in which three of the four matches went to overtime, the scene is set for an electrifying semi-final day, which will see some of the biggest stars in global hockey take to the ice.
Fans can expect some high-intensity battles between the best players in the NHL, such as Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, who will be representing their nations on the world's biggest stage.
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Canada vs Finland: Opening semi-final showdown
The first semi-final match pits Canada against the reigning Olympic champions, Finland, at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Canada progressed after a heart-stopping 4-3 overtime victory over Czechia, although there are concerns about the availability of captain Sidney Crosby, who was forced out of the quarter-final game with a lower-body injury.
Finland, known for their solid and disciplined defense, also needed overtime to knock out Switzerland, and it looks like this match will be a tight and fiercely contested one.
Global timings: Canada vs Finland
India (IST): 9.10 pm, Friday, Feb 20
Italy (CET): 4.40 pm, Friday, Feb 20
US Eastern Time (ET): 10.40 am, Friday, Feb 20
United Kingdom (GMT): 3.40 pm, Friday, Feb 20
United States vs Slovakia: Second semi-final clash
The second semi-final match will see the United States face Slovakia, who have displayed real punch in the tournament so far. The United States qualified for the match with a 2-1 overtime victory over Sweden, which came when defenseman Quinn Hughes scored the winner.
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Slovakia enters the match on the back of a 6-2 thrashing of Germany and have momentum from past world championships in which they have beaten the United States.
Global timings: United States vs Slovakia
India (IST): 1.40 am, Saturday, Feb 21
Italy (CET): 9.10 pm, Friday, Feb 20
US Eastern Time (ET): 3.10 pm, Friday, Feb 20
United Kingdom (GMT): 8.10 pm, Friday, Feb 20
Where to watch
After the semifinals, the teams that do not qualify for the final will engage in the Bronze Medal, while the winners proceed to the final to claim Olympic gold.
For Indian viewers, you can watch the semi-finals live on the JioHotstar app or website. Additionally, there is special coverage on the Olympics website. For viewers in the United States, the semifinals can be watched on Peacock and other NBCUniversal channels. For the United Kingdom, the semifinals can be accessed on the BBC iPlayer and Warner Bros. Discovery platforms. Canadian coverage is available through CBC Gem.
