Winter Olympics Tips: Do Or Die Time For Leading Nations In Medal Race

Men’s hockey, curling, and men’s freeski halfpipe are our features in Winter Olympic picks for 20th February.

Here, Sam Cox previews the best of the action today.

United States vs Slovakia – Men’s Hockey

The United States are massive favourites for their clash with Slovakia in the semi-finals of the men’s hockey tournament. Slovakia beat Germany in the last round to reach this stage after winning two out of three in their group.

Bronze medallists four years ago, Slovakia have experienced in medal games, despite a mediocre World Championship record throughout their history.

These teams have been fairly competitive in recent memory. We don’t feel confident enough to back an upset, but the underdogs can at least keep this close.

Pick: Slovakia +2.5 (Evens)

Canada vs Finland – Men’s Hockey

Canada, after dominating in the group stage, came from behind to see off Czechia in the quarterfinals. They are 2/9 to progress past Finland, who needed overtime to get the better of Switzerland a couple of days ago.

Finland have won eight of the last 12 games between these nations. Sure, Canada haven’t always been at full strength, and only a certain amount can be read into friendlies.

It’s still a sign the Finns can compete with Canada, though, so this should be another tense occasion for the Canadians.

Pick: Finland +2.5 (8/13)

Norway vs Switzerland – Men’s Curling

The top seed after a stellar group stage, Switzerland must be wondering how they ended up in the Bronze Medal Game. Norway only narrowly lost to Canada in the semis after losing two of their last three matchups in the opening phase.

One of those two losses came at the hands of the Swiss. Switzerland were in a league of their own in the round robin, going 9-0 and posting the best point differential in the competition.

Sure, Switzerland aren’t in the best headspace after losing the semi-final. Their place has been much better than Norway’s, though, and they won emphatically when these nations met a few days ago.

Pick: Switzerland -2.5

Freeski Halfpipe – Men’s

The World Cup halfpipe leader with wins in two out of four events and a runner-up placing, Finley Melville Ives is the clear betting favourite for the freeski halfpipe on Friday.

The Kiwi has been a league of his own in his discipline, even winning the final event of the 2024-25 season. Alex Ferreira, last season’s World Cup winner, is Ives’ nearest rival per William Hill’s betting markets.

Hunter Hess is a name to monitor in this event. He’s gone under the radar a bit, despite three top three finishes in the four events, and led the World Cup until Aspen. With bronzes in the SuperPipe at the last two Winter X Games, we like the value on Hess.

Pick: Hunter Hess (12/1)

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