Welcome to Last Word On Hockey’s Olympic Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at Team Germany battling Team France in the first game of the qualification round. Don’t forget to check out more Olympic Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the Olympics.
Winter Olympic Hockey Predictions
Germany vs France
Last meeting: Germany beat France in 1998, 2-0.
Time: 6:10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 3 a.m. Pacific
How to Watch: In Canada: SN, CBC, CBC Gem, TSN
In the United States: USA Network, Peacock
We open up Olympics hockey predictions with the first qualification round game of the 2026 games between Germany and France. This will be the first meeting in best-on-best play since 1998 in Nagano. Former Washington Capitals goalie Olaf Kolzig got the shutout. Ironically, Leon Draisaitl‘s father, Peter Draisaitl, got a goal and an assist.
The German did get second place in Group C behind the United States. However, Germany lost its last two games after beating Denmark in the opening game. If Germany wins, they’ll take on third-seeded Slovakia in the quarterfinal round.
France is in the tournament due to Russian being banned by the IOC and the IIHF. However, France has made a good account for itself. The French lost 4-0 to Switzerland and hung with Czechia in a 6-3 loss. However, Canada was determined to run up the score to get the top seed for the quarterfinals in a 10-2 loss.
Let’s take a look at the stats and storylines heading into this qualification round matchup for our Olympic Hockey predictions.
The Germany Story
Germany’s program has made a strong rise over the last few years. Players like Draisaitl, a standout for the Edmonton Oilers, and Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stutzle give the Germans a solid foundation to build from. There are also plenty of other players the roster that have NHL experience.
Seattle Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer is the likely starter for Germany in this win-or-go-home game. However, always check social media before locking in a starter. Grubauer did look strong in the tournament’s opener against Denmark.
Stutzle is the team’s leading scorer with four goals in three games so far for Germany. Draisaitl and Utah Mammoth youngster JJ Peterka are next in line with three points each.
The France Story
France did fine its first two games before being boat raced by a goal-hungry Canada roster. The French feel like they will be a tough out and would love to score the unlikely upset over their old rivals.
It’ll be interesting to see who gets the start for the French against the Germans. Martin Neckar and Antoine Keller have seen a lion’s share of the minutes, but will be tasked with trying to stop Draisaitl, Stutzle, and other talented NHLers on Germany’s roster.
Louis Boudon notched back-to-back goals for France, which held the lead before Czechia pulled away. Sacha Treille has shown some promise after a wicked shot against Jordan Binnington.
Prediction
Germany knows that France will give its all to try and score one of the most improbable upsets in recent memory. However, Germany should be able to pull away with its deeper roster and more talented scorers.
The ride will end for France in this one and Germany will book its date against Slovakia in the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Germany wins 6-2.
Best Bets
We close out our Winter Olympic Hockey predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for Germany versus France is 6.5, and we like the over in this one. Also, the margin of victory is -2.5, and we like Germany hitting that.
As for individual props, go with Nico Sturm to get an assist for Germany. On the French side of things, take Alexandre Texier to score a goal.
Main photo by: James Lang-Imagn Images
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