The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are heating up, and one of the most anticipated matchups of the preliminary round is finally upon us. Next Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the hockey world will turn its eyes to the ice as Team Slovakia takes on Team Finland. With NHL players back in the mix for the first time since 2014, this isn’t just a game; it’s a showcase of best-on-best talent.
Whether you’re rooting for the defensive grit of the Finns or the explosive young talent of the Slovaks, you won’t want to miss a second of the action. Here is everything you need to know to catch the game live.
How to Watch Slovakia vs. Finland: TV and Streaming
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Puck Drop: 10:40 a.m. ET (7:40 a.m. PT)
In the USA
American viewers can catch the action on USA Network, which is carrying the bulk of the preliminary hockey games. If you prefer to stream, the game will be available live on Peacock and via the NBC Sports app (authentication required).
- TV Channel: USA Network
- Streaming: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com
In Canada
For Canadian hockey fans, the game will be broadcast across the CBC Olympic Consortium.
- TV Channels: TSN and CBC are scheduled to share coverage for this time slot. Check your local listings to confirm the specific feed for your region.
- Streaming: Free live streaming is available on CBC Gem and the CBC Sports app.
Regional Blackouts Explained
I often get asked if Olympic games suffer from the dreaded NHL regional blackouts. The short answer is no. Because the Olympics are a national and international event, the broadcasting rights are held nationally (by NBCUniversal in the US and the CBC Consortium in Canada).
This means that unlike a Tuesday night NHL game where you might be blacked out because you live in a different region than the broadcaster, the Olympic feed is available nationwide. However, for online streaming via apps like NBC Sports or Sportsnet Now (if applicable), you will still need to sign in with your cable provider credentials to prove you have a subscription. Peacock and CBC Gem (free tier) typically do not require cable authentication.
Team Records and Olympic History
These two nations have a storied history on the Olympic ice.
Team Finland (Suomi)
Finland has been a model of consistency in Olympic hockey. Entering these games, they have won 7 Olympic medals in men’s ice hockey:
- Gold: 1 (2022)
- Silver: 2 (1988, 2006)
- Bronze: 4 (1994, 1998, 2010, 2014)
Their all-time leading scorer at the Olympics is the legendary Teemu Selänne, who amassed an incredible 43 points over his Olympic career.
Team Slovakia
Slovakia is looking to build on their historic success from the last Winter Games. They have won 1 Olympic medal in men’s hockey:
- Bronze: 1 (2022)
Slovakia’s all-time most productive Olympian is Hall of Famer Marián Hossa, who recorded 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in 19 games. While Miroslav Å atan is often cited for his overall national team contributions, Hossa’s production on the Olympic stage remains the benchmark.
Key Injuries and Game Prediction
Heading into this matchup, rosters have seen some movement. Team Slovakia has taken a hit with veteran forward Marek HrivÃk ruled out due to injury; he has been replaced by Lukas Cingel. On the Finnish side, while the men’s team is relatively healthy, the nation has been on high alert following a virus outbreak that affected their women’s team earlier this week. We are keeping a close eye on the men’s locker room to ensure no similar issues arise before Wednesday.
My Prediction: In my opinion, this game is going to be closer than the oddsmakers think. Finland has historically dominated this head-to-head, winning 8 of the last 9 meetings, including the 2022 semifinal. However, Slovakia’s young core, led by Juraj Slafkovský, is faster and more dangerous than in years past. That said, Finland’s defensive structure is suffocating.
I’m predicting a 4-2 victory for Team Finland, with an empty-netter sealing it late in the third.
2025-26 NHL Season Check-In
Speaking of elite talent, have you checked the NHL leaderboards lately? As of the Olympic break, Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid are sitting at the top with 96 and 93 points each. It’s the perfect time to get involved in the action. If you think you know who will finish the season on top, come join our Online Playoff Hockey Pool on my website! We have cash prizes for the winner and a community of die-hard fans discussing trades and stats daily.
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