Milano Cortina's NHL-heavy rosters spotlight elite speed (McDavid), shot power (Tage Thompson), playmaking (Pastrnak) and top netminding (Wallstedt). Betting angle: favor teams with elite goalies for low-total wagers and target player props for McDavid/Pastrnak points and Thompson long-shot attempts.
Milano Cortina 2026 Preview: NHL Edge Data Identifies Olympic Game-Changers
The Olympic men's hockey tournament returns with NHL talent headlining rosters, bringing a deeper, more star-studded field to Milan-Cortina. Using NHL EDGE tracking and advanced metrics through Jan. 9, 2026, four measurable strengths emerge as potential tournament breakers: elite skating, shot power, offensive creation and goaltending.
Stats current to Jan. 9, 2026
Fastest Skaters — Connor McDavid Sets the Pace
Connor McDavid stands out as the tournament’s top top-speed threat, improving on last season’s metrics and maintaining the highest frequency of elite-speed bursts at even strength. He’s joined by a cadre of burners including Nathan MacKinnon, Brayden Point, Martin Necas, Jack Eichel, Roope Hintz and Tim Stutzle. Among defensemen, breakout speed from the likes of Jake Sanderson and occasional 24+ mph runs from Quinn Hughes and Jaccob Slavin add transition danger.
What to watch
Expect fast-break chances and odd-man rushes when McDavid or MacKinnon touch the puck; teams that can limit their space will blunt a large share of Canada’s attacking threat.
Hardest Shot — Tage Thompson Brings Power to Team USA
Tage Thompson’s blend of size and shot power gives the U.S. one of the game’s true blasters. While Victor Hedman remains a benchmark for hardest shots, Thompson’s ceiling — measured near triple-digit mph in past seasons — makes him the primary perimeter threat. Gustav Forsling and Roman Josi supplement the top tier with consistent heavy attempts from the blue line.
What to watch
Watch power-play setups and late-zone slappers; defenders who concede time and space to Thompson or Hedman risk conceding high-danger slapshots that pressure any goalie.
Top Offensive Creator — David Pastrnak’s Playmaking Prowess
David Pastrnak ranks as the most efficient creator on a per-60 basis, combining elite primary-assist rates with strong shot-creation numbers. While dynamic scorers like MacKinnon and McDavid drive volume, Pastrnak’s balance of passing and finishing makes him a matchup problem for defenders. Rising young stars, including Macklin Celebrini, also show high rates of goals and assists created, signaling potential dark-horse impact.
What to watch
Line deployment and zone-start matchups will determine the flow; teams that can neutralize Pastrnak’s space will force other stars to beat them.
Best Goaltender — Jesper Wallstedt Tops Goals-Saved Metrics
Jesper Wallstedt leads NHL goaltenders in Goals Saved Above Average, especially on high-danger chances, making him the statistical standout in net. Veteran options such as Connor Hellebuyck, Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson sit just below in the next tier, while Czechia’s Dan Vladar is an intriguing above-average option if given starts.
What to watch
Goalie form will largely decide tight games; Wallstedt’s presence makes Sweden a significantly tougher out in 1–2 goal affairs.
Betting Implications and Market Angles
Back teams with elite netminders for low-total (under) bets; a Wallstedt start pushes Sweden games toward lower expected scoring. Favor player prop markets for McDavid and Pastrnak points given their per-60 creation rates, and target long-shot or slapshot-related props when Thompson or Hedman are in the lineup. Parlays combining elite goalie starts with low totals or player-point props can offer value when odds reflect headline names rather than underlying metrics.
Final take
Milano Cortina promises a clash of elite skill and specialized strengths. Punters should prioritize goalie matchups and player-creation rates over reputation alone, and watch how teams adapt to the pace and shot power that will define many medal-deciding games.
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