Welcome back to another edition of Olympic hockey predictions here at Last Word On Hockey, where we will be covering the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics each day throughout the preliminary round and beyond. As the best players in the world return to the Olympic stage, every early matchup carries weight in a short and unforgiving format. Today’s focus shifts to Group C, where Germany opens its tournament against Denmark in a game that will likely determine second place positioning and quarterfinal seeding. Be sure to check back daily for continued Olympic men’s hockey coverage, analysis, and predictions throughout the Games.

Olympic Hockey Predictions featuring Denmark vs Germany

Date & Time: Thursday, February 12, 3:10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Group: Group C

How to Watch – US TV: Peacock | Canada TV: CBC Gem, TSN

Venue: Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy

Setting the Stage

Germany enters this tournament with what many consider the most talented roster in its history. Led by Leon Draisaitl, this group blends high-end NHL scoring talent with a defensive core capable of playing structured, low-event hockey. Denmark, meanwhile, continues to grow its international identity and brings significant Olympic experience from Beijing 2022. In a group that also includes the United States and Latvia, this game looms large for positioning. A regulation win would give Germany a strong foothold toward a potential bye scenario, while Denmark realistically needs this matchup if it hopes to avoid a difficult qualification path.

Denmark Storyline

Denmark‘s identity revolves around speed and continuity. Nikolaj Ehlers is the offensive engine and remains Denmark’s most dangerous transition threat. Lars Eller brings veteran leadership down the middle, while Oliver Bjorkstrand supplies secondary scoring punch.

The key question lies in goal. Frederik Andersen has the resume, but recent metrics indicate vulnerability under sustained pressure. Denmark will need a composed, structured defensive effort to prevent Germany from establishing a cycle game. If the Danes can keep this tight into the third period, pressure shifts to Germany. However, if they fall behind early, their defensive depth may struggle to contain multiple German scoring lines.

Carolina goal!Scored by Nikolaj Ehlers with 06:57 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake.Carolina: 7Florida: 1#FLAvsCAR #RaiseUp #TimeToHunt

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-17T02:42:18.961214Z

Germany Storyline

Germany’s offensive ceiling begins with Leon Draisaitl, who captains the side and remains one of the most dominant forwards in the world. He is supported by Tim Stützle and JJ Peterka, giving Germany legitimate scoring threats beyond its top line. On defence, Moritz Seider anchors the blue line with heavy minutes and physical presence, allowing Germany to play assertively through the neutral zone.

In goal, Philipp Grubauer provides stability. His underlying metrics this season suggest Germany holds an advantage in net, particularly compared to Denmark’s tandem. Germany’s overall structure has improved dramatically over the past decade, and this is no longer a team reliant on a single superstar. Depth scoring and disciplined play are now part of the identity.

Power play goal for Edmonton!Scored by Leon Draisaitl with 01:34 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid.Calgary: 3Edmonton: 2#EDMvsCGY #Flames #LetsGoOilers

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-02-05T04:48:05.289815Z

Prediction Inputs

Both HockeyStats and The Athletic project Germany as a moderate favourite, with implied win probabilities near 60 percent. Betting markets reflect similar expectations, pricing Germany in the -270 range on the moneyline. Projected score ranges cluster around a one-goal to two-goal German advantage.

Germany holds measurable edges in high-end talent, defensive structure, and goaltending stability. Denmark’s path to an upset likely requires an elite goaltending performance and efficient finishing on limited chances. Over a full 60-minute sample, Germany’s depth advantage should gradually assert itself.

Olympic Hockey Prediction

This projects as a competitive opening period before Germany’s skill begins to separate the teams. Denmark has enough structure to remain organized early, but sustaining that level against Draisaitl and Stützle for a full game is a difficult assignment.

Prediction: Germany wins 4–2

Best Bets

Germany -1.5 puck line (-105) offers stronger value than the heavily priced money line. If Germany establishes a lead, Denmark will be forced to open up, creating separation opportunities. Over 5.5 total goals (+114) is worth consideration. Germany’s offensive firepower and Denmark’s need to chase could push this above the number late. Leon Draisaitl anytime goal (+105) is always live in tournament play. His power-play role and heavy usage make him the most reliable finishing option on the ice.

Lineup disclaimer: Projected line combinations and starting goaltenders are based on available information at the time of writing. Please verify official lineups prior to placing any wagers.

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Main Photo: Amber Searls-Imagn Images