On Wednesday, Slovakia stunned the hockey world by defeating Finland 4-1 in the first game of the tournament. Then, Sweden survived a spirited effort from the host Italians, winning 5-2 after allowing the opening goal in the first period.
Thursday’s four games included lopsided wins for the U.S. (5-1 over Latvia) and Canada (5-0 over Czechia).
Friday’s slate of contests included another big win for Canada (5-1 over Switzerland), as well as victories for Finland, Czechia and Slovakia.
Saturday marks the return to action for the U.S., which takes on Denmark, as well as Germany-Latvia, Sweden-Slovakia and Finland-Italy. Follow along with key moments from USA-Denmark here.
Read on for the current standings, schedule of games for the day, leading goal scorers and goaltenders, best bets from Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash, along with the latest Olympic men’s hockey headlines.
Jump ahead:
Standings
Saturday’s games
Stat leaders
Best bets
Current standings
Friday’s schedule
Note: All times Eastern.
Group B
Sweden 5, Slovakia 3
Finland 11, Italy 0
Group C
Latvia 4, Germany 3
USA vs. Denmark, 3:10 p.m. | USA/Peacock
Stat leaders
Best bets for Saturday
Note: Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook, subject to change
Just like that, we’re already on the cusp of concluding the group stage on the men’s side at the Winter Olympic Games. Saturday’s busy slate features four matchups, including the United States of America vs. Denmark. While every Saturday matchup features a heavy early favorite, the following USA-centered wagers serve as appealing best bets for value.
Tage Thompson anytime goal scorer (+160)
The Danes appear to be champing at the bit to face captain Auston Matthews & Co. Forward Lars Eller suggests it’s already been a talking point for his side. As such, we can probably expect a chippy effort from Team Denmark right from puck-drop. So don’t feel surprised if a handful of Danish skaters land themselves in penalty trouble — a scenario that would likely prove problematic against one of the top power-play units in the tournament.
Skating on America’s No. 1 unit with Jack Eichel, Matthew Tkachuk, Matthews, and Quinn Hughes, Thompson scored with the extra skater in Thursday’s 5-1 victory over Latvia. Meanwhile, Denmark’s penalty kill allowed a power-play goal to the Germans, despite earning just two minor penalties. It’s also worth noting that Thompson appears additionally motivated to make a statement after being left off Team USA during last winter’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Such extra incentive never hurts. — Matiash
Quinn Hughes two assists (+130)
The top-pair defenseman and No. 1 power-play anchor earned two assists in Thursday’s 5-1 victory over Latvia, including one with the extra skater. With the puck line set at minus-4.5 in favor of the Americans, we should expect a reasonably lopsided affair Saturday, regardless of whether Mads Sogaard or Frederik Dichow serves as Denmark’s netminder. If that’s how it unfolds, Hughes can be expected to be in on the productive action. — Matiash
Latest Olympic hockey headlines
Finland outduels Sweden; Canada wins
U.S. men’s hockey dominates Latvia in opener
Celebrini leads Canada’s rout in Olympic hockey
Slovakia stuns Finland to open men’s hockey play
Canada, U.S. top men’s gold medal betting odds