{"id":460326,"date":"2026-02-17T00:33:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T00:33:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/460326\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T00:33:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T00:33:12","slug":"avalanche-at-the-olympics-necas-landeskog-look-to-advance-to-quarterfinals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/460326\/","title":{"rendered":"Avalanche at the Olympics: Necas, Landeskog look to advance to quarterfinals"},"content":{"rendered":"

With four countries waiting to play the winners Wednesday, the qualification playoff round will take place Tuesday in Milan. Here\u2019s a preview of each matchup as well as who the winners will take on when they advance.<\/p>\n

Germany vs. France: 4:10 a.m. (Peacock)<\/p>\n

A somewhat disappointing tournament for Germany, which has one of the best hockey players in the world on their roster in Leon Draisaitl, as well as a Norris Trophy candidate in Moritz Seider. On paper, they should have no issues taking down France, but having already lost a game they were favored in, there\u2019s no guarantee that will happen.<\/p>\n

The winner of this game will take on Slovakia.<\/p>\n

Switzerland vs. Italy: 4:10 a.m. (Peacock)<\/p>\n

Expect Milano Rho Arena to be rocking when the home country has an opportunity to advance to the quarterfinals. Switzerland has the advantage in terms of overall talent, even without forward Kevin Fiala, but the crowd will no doubt be leaning toward the Italians. Whether or not that will make a difference remains to be seen.<\/p>\n

The winner will take on Finland.<\/p>\n

\"\"Czechia\u2019s Martin Necas is in action during a preliminary round match of men\u2019s ice hockey between Switzerland and Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday. (AP Photo\/Petr David Josek)<\/p>\n

Czechia vs. Denmark: 8:40 a.m. (Peacock, USA Network)<\/p>\n

Avalanche forward Martin Necas has been far and away Czechia\u2019s top player, contributing to every goal during its overtime loss to Switzerland over the weekend. He has five points through three games. It can\u2019t just be Necas if Czechia wants to advance further, though. Vegas forward Tomas Hertl has not recorded a point in any of the three games, while the Islanders\u2019 Ondrej Palat has just one.<\/p>\n

The winner will take on Canada.<\/p>\n

Sweden vs. Latvia: 1:10 p.m. (Peacock, USA Network)<\/p>\n

Gabriel Landeskog has technically been on Sweden\u2019s fourth line for most of the tournament, but he\u2019s still played heavy minutes, nearly hitting 18 in their last game. Based on Sweden\u2019s last practice, the Avalanche captain will move up to the third line with the tournament on the line. Although the Swedes have been inconsistent in this tournament, they are the most dangerous team of the eight playing Tuesday simply because of the talent they possess.<\/p>\n

The winner will take on the United States.<\/p>\n


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