Milano Cortina 2026: US Rivalry with Canada in Ice Hockey
Recommended casinos
Key Takeaways:
- U.S. women's hockey team remains undefeated with a convincing victory ahead of a high-stakes rivalry clash with Canada, heightening betting interest in the matchup.
- American mixed doubles curlers stunned defending champions Italy on home ice to reach the gold-medal final against Sweden, shifting odds in a sport gaining viewer traction.
- Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam set an Olympic record in the women's 1000m, opening the Netherlands' medal account and underscoring European strength in ice events.
U.S. Women's Hockey Dominance Continues
The United States women's ice hockey team extended its perfect start at Milano Cortina 2026 with a 5-0 shutout victory on February 9, maintaining momentum in Group A play. This result keeps them undefeated and positions them strongly for upcoming fixtures, particularly the anticipated showdown with Canada. The win featured solid goaltending and balanced scoring, reinforcing Team USA's status as a top contender in a discipline where North American rivalry drives significant attention. With both teams showcasing blowout performances in recent ice hockey games, the stage is set for a defining moment in the tournament.
This performance matters greatly for the broader Winter Olympics narrative, as women's hockey remains one of the most viewed and bet-on categories due to its competitive intensity and historical U.S.-Canada rivalry. Bettors are closely monitoring odds shifts, with implications for player props and match outcomes, enhancing engagement across platforms.
Mixed Doubles Curling Upset Shakes Medal Picture
American curlers Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin delivered a thrilling 9-8 semifinal victory over Italy's defending Olympic and world champions on home ice in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The win propelled the U.S. pair into the gold-medal match against Sweden, guaranteeing their first Olympic medal in mixed doubles curling. Dropkin's animated celebrations energized the crowd and highlighted the event's growing appeal.
The upset carries weight for the Games' host nation dynamics and betting markets, as Italy's early medal surge had boosted local interest and ticket sales. Losing a key opportunity on home turf could temper expectations, while the U.S. advancement injects unpredictability into curling odds. Curling sport's rising popularity—driven by strategic drama and accessibility—amplifies its impact on viewer numbers and wagering volume.
Dutch Speed Skating Breakthrough and Medal Concerns
Jutta Leerdam of the Netherlands claimed gold in the women's 1000m speed skating with an Olympic record time, leading a Dutch one-two finish alongside Femke Kok, with Japan's Miho Takagi taking bronze. This marked the Netherlands' opening medal haul in the discipline, where they hold a strong historical edge.
Meanwhile, reports emerged of medals breaking or detaching from ribbons, prompting an investigation by organizers. Issues included chipped medals and podium surface problems damaging skates in figure skating, leading to apologies, surface replacements, and additional training provisions.
These developments influence the Olympics' integrity and spectator experience, with medal durability concerns potentially affecting athlete morale and public perception. For betting, such incidents rarely alter core odds but underscore the need for reliable event execution in high-stakes categories for winter sports like speed skating.
Upcoming Events and Rivalry Focus
Attention turns to February 10 action, including Mikaela Shiffrin's bid for Alpine skiing gold, the mixed doubles curling final, and women's hockey clashes like USA vs. Canada. These events promise heightened rivalries, with odds reflecting close contests in hockey and curling. Italy's strong early medal tally (nine, including one gold) continues fueling home enthusiasm and commercial success, with ticket sales surging.
