Slovakia and Germany meet in the quarterfinals round for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Puck drop is set for 6:10 a.m. EST at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy. The game will be broadcast live on CNBC and streamed on Peacock.
Germany is favored by 1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 5.5 (-110o/ -110u). Germany is a -115 favorite to win outright, while Slovakia is -105 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Slovakia vs Germany predictions and Olympics picks.
Slovakia vs Germany Odds, Pick
- Slovakia vs. Germany Puck Line: Slovakia +1.5 (-275), Germany -1.5 (+225)
- Slovakia vs. Germany Over/Under: 5.5 (-110o / -110u)
- Slovakia vs. Germany Moneyline: Slovakia -105, Germany -115
Slovakia vs. Germany Preview
Slovakia
After earning a bye into the quarterfinals, Slovakia opens its knockout stage against Germany. This is a competitive matchup that could go either way, but Juraj Slafkovsky is most likely to make an impact for Slovakia.
The first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft experienced a slower development curve during his first two seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. However, 2025-26 has been his best professional campaign, as he has recorded 45 points and 21 goals through 57 games.
That growth has positioned him not only as the leader of this Slovak team but also as one of the tournament’s top performers. He is tied for second among all skaters in points per game, trailing only Connor McDavid.
Slafkovsky is also tied for second in goals per game among all players in the tournament.
Germany
Slafkovsky’s offensive presence will be crucial in this knockout matchup, and it would not be surprising if he finds the back of the net against a Germany team that has allowed four or more goals in two of its past three games.
The lone exception during that stretch was France, but Slovakia operates at a significantly higher level than one of the tournament’s lowest-ranked teams.
Germany’s defensive corps features just one NHL player, Moritz Seider, and while he is an elite talent, he cannot log all 60 minutes.
Backing up that blue line is goaltender Philipp Grubauer, who could be a fade candidate as he is expected to start his second game in as many days.
Slovakia vs. Germany Prediction
Slovakia is the more rested team, which could provide an added edge against Grubauer on the second half of a back-to-back. While he shut down France, he allowed four goals on 22 shots for an .818 save percentage in his previous outing against Latvia.
It is also important to note the difference in competition levels. France is a tier below Latvia, and Latvia is a tier (or two) below Slovakia.
Slovakia is likely to generate multiple scoring chances, and given Slafkovsky’s form, it is difficult to envision him not being involved.
Pick: Juraj Slafkovsky Anytime Goal Scorer (+175 at bet365 | Play to +165)
