Winter Olympics Tips: Hockey Drama, Curling Action & More From Milan

There are high stakes across the Winter Olympics on Wednesday and Thursday. Here are our tips for ice hockey, curling, and short-track speed skating.

Sam Cox gives his best bets on the action in Milan, with the battle to claim Olympic gold heating up in several disciplines.

Finland vs Switzerland – Men’s Hockey

After defeat to Slovakia in their opening group stage game, Finland comfortably beat Sweden and Italy to finish second in their section. They are betting favourites for Wednesday’s matchup with Switzerland.

Despite beating France in their opening game, it was a tense end to the group stage for Switzerland. They suffered an unsurprising loss to Canada before needing extra time to beat Czechia.

The Swiss haven’t reached a World Cup semi-final since 1952. They have a strong recent record against the Finns, however, and this promises to be a fiercely competitive matchup. We like the value on this going to OT.

Pick: To go to overtime (16/5)

Great Britain vs Japan – Women’s Curling

Bottom of the table Japan are underdogs for their matchup with Great Britain. Coming off a gruelling matchup with the United States on Wednesday morning, the Brits go again on Wednesday night.

Already eliminated and unable to live up to the high standard in this year’s tournament, Japan have nothing to play for. That could work in the Brits’ favour, though there’s no such thing as a sure thing in Olympic play.

Only the top teams have got the better of Team GB so far. We think they’ll have too much for Japan.

Pick: Great Britain -2.5

Men’s Short Track 500m

Golds in the 1000 metres and 1500 metres make Jens van’t Wout the favourite in the men’s short-track 500 metres on Wednesday. The Dutchman is ahead of William Dandjinou, who won three out of four World Tour events, in the latest odds.

Steven Dubois has the third-shortest odds at the time of writing, despite disappointing finishes in the longer events. Dubois earned a bronze in the 500 metres four years ago and finished third in the World Tour after recovering from a torn labrum.

At 14/1, we like the value on Shaoang Liu. He was fourth in this event on the World Tour and had two decent showings in the 1000m and 1500m.

Pick: Shaoang Liu (14/1)

Norway vs Canada – Men’s Curling

Norway and Canada meet up in the final draw of men’s curling on Thursday. Canada are already qualified and were among the pre-tournament favourites. Norway might have locked in their place in the knockout round if they beat Switzerland on Wednesday.

It’s not been the best run for this Norwegian team. At the time of writing, they have lost two of their last three. Their only win in that span was a narrow victory over Great Britain.

Canada, along with Switzerland, are a long way ahead of the rest of the field. This should be a routine win as they prepare for the pressure of the semi-finals.

Pick: Canada to win

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*