The Athletic Hockey Show — Men’s Olympic Preliminary Round Recap

Date: February 16, 2026
Hosts: Max Bultman, Jesse Granger
Guest: Mark Lazarus (reporting live from Milan)

Overview

This episode delivers a detailed breakdown of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament as it transitions from the preliminary round to the knockout stage. The hosts explore the performance of top teams (notably Canada and the USA), rising stars, upsets (especially Slovakia’s group win), and shifting expectations. Mark Lazarus joins to share first-hand atmosphere and insights from Milan, including team dynamics, under-the-radar contenders, and the tournament's emotional stakes.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Top Contenders — Canada and the USA

Timestamps: [02:12–07:39]

• Canada’s Dominance

  • Canada and the USA both finished unbeaten in group play; Canada takes the top seed.
  • The hosts discuss how the skill gap has widened at the top, with Canada setting a new standard.
  • Max Bultman: “I think the gap has widened quite a bit … Canada is clearly the best team.” [02:48]
  • Connor McDavid is averaging a record-breaking three points per game; McDavid, McKinnon, and Celebrini have been united on a “ridiculous” top line.
  • Macklin Celebrini’s instant Olympic impact at just 19 is a major storyline.

• USA's Strengths and Limitations

  • The USA’s depth and blue line are strong; Brock Nelson, Jack Eichel, and the Tkachuks are mentioned, though not matching the superstar levels of Canada’s top players.
  • Jesse Granger: “The US … got the best blue line in the tournament, the best goaltending … But I don’t think we knew [Canada’s forwards] were this much better.” [04:41, condensed]

• Goaltending Battle

  • Jordan Binnington (Canada) has looked good but “still gives some concern” if pushed by elite competition.
  • Connor Hellebuyck (USA) showed his “Vezina-winning form” for the first time since knee surgery, giving hope that goaltending could be the equalizer against Canada.
  • Max Bultman: “The only difference … is [Binnington] has superstars at every other position, so his mistakes don’t matter.” [05:28]
  • Hosts agree: The US’s best route to gold is Hellebuyck outdueling Binnington.

2. Knockout Paths and Bracket Dynamics

Timestamps: [07:39–11:36]

• Paths to the Gold Medal Match

  • Canada seems to have an easier road, facing possible quarterfinal opponents like Czechia or Germany.
  • The USA likely receives a tough quarterfinal test against Sweden.
  • Both hosts discuss how single-elimination volatility and reseeding add unpredictability to semifinals/matchups.

• “Team to Avoid”

  • Sweden’s drop to the 7th seed means a potential USA quarterfinal matchup, making the path harder.
  • Finland, despite a rough start, now looks revitalized after beating Sweden.

3. On-Site Atmosphere and Slovakia’s Fairy Tale

Timestamps: [14:15–20:31]

• Mark Lazarus from Milan

  • Provides an on-the-ground view of the Slovakian team’s energy and confidence after their shock group win.
  • Slovakia’s win over Finland, coupled with their group-topping run, reshuffles expectations.
  • Mark Lazarus: “Slovakia is pretty legit here … Slavkovsky is like the greatest Olympic hockey player of all time. He’s got 10 goals in 10 games ... This team just seems to have some belief.” [15:22]

• Team Identity and Pressure

  • Slovakia is “playing with house money,” free of the medal-or-bust anxiety weighing on Canada and the USA.
  • Lazarus: “If Slovakia wins a bronze medal, they're getting parades, they're getting statues and they know it … There’s a lightness in their step.” [18:39]

4. Evaluating Other Contenders: Switzerland, Germany, Czechia, Sweden, Finland

Timestamps: [20:31–29:13]

• Switzerland

  • The Swiss “had as good a pool round as anyone,” led by goaltender Leonardo Genoni and strong team defense. Their medal chances are very real.

• Germany and Czechia

  • Germany “hasn’t been impressive,” but is still a danger in the bracket.
  • Czechia, featuring Dostal in net and a high-end first line (Nečas, Pastrňák), is exposed for its lack of depth, making them less of a threat unless they get a hot goaltender.

• Finland and Sweden

  • Finland's turnaround, defeating Sweden, positions them as the likely bronze favorite.
  • Sweden remains enigmatic—talented but inconsistent, in need of top goaltending from Philip Gustavsson to challenge for medals.

5. Tournament Trends, Pressure, and the Meaning of Group Play

Timestamps: [29:13–31:43]

• Strength of Schedule?

  • Both Canada and the USA have coasted through weaker opposition; it remains to be seen who is “built” to beat strong teams in tight games.
  • The USA’s team construction emphasizes winning close, “first-to-three” games over run-and-gun offense.

• Goaltending X-Factor

  • “Getting goalied” is always plausible in Olympic elimination settings—Lucas Dostal, Connor Hellebuyck, Leonardo Genoni, or another hot goalie could shape a pivotal upset.

6. Standout Individual Performers

Timestamps: [37:27–40:59]

• Highlight Players
  • Juraj Slafkovsky (Slovakia): “Just built for this”; scoring at an incredible pace with national pride.
  • Macklin Celebrini (Canada): Not just “along for the ride,” but a dominant force on Canada’s top line.
  • J.J. Moser (Switzerland), Timo Meier (Switzerland), Martin Nečas (Czechia), Tim Stutzle (Germany): All have raised their international profiles with standout performances.
  • USA blue liners Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski are praised for their two-way play.

7. MVP and Medal Predictions

Timestamps: [40:59–43:19]

• MVP Front-Runners

  • Connor McDavid is the clear MVP favorite overall, but US candidates (if they win gold) are likely Jack Eichel or Quinn Hughes, depending on pivotal performances.
  • Jesse Granger: "If the US is going to do this, [Quinn Hughes is] probably my answer for USA's best player and most valuable player." [41:50]

• Bronze Medal Outlook

  • Both hosts now favor Finland for bronze after their resurgence.

• Bold Prediction

  • Listener “Whiskey and Wings” offers: “Pasta [Pastrňák] hat-trick sends Canada home.” [43:19]
  • Hosts rate this a “10 out of 10” for boldness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Canada’s top line boldness:
  Jesse Granger: “They had a line that had Celebrini, McKinnon and McDavid on one line. That is … the three highest scoring NHL players at these Olympics.” [03:18]

• Atmosphere and Pressure:
  Mark Lazarus: “It’s gold or bust for them, right? … If Slovakia wins a bronze medal, they're getting parades … They're playing with house money right now.” [18:39]

• Why tournament hockey is unpredictable:
  Mark Lazarus: “All it takes. And now that we're in single elimination, every team left can get goalie’d. Canada can get goalie’d. We saw it in Sochi with Kristers Gudļevskis almost upsetting them.” [21:00]

• On USA’s MVP if they win gold:
  Jesse Granger: “If the US is going to do this, [Quinn Hughes is] probably my answer for USA's best player and most valuable player.” [41:50]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 02:12 – Opening analysis of Canada & USA, gap at the top
• 04:01 – Power of Canada’s top line; US blue line strengths
• 05:28 – Goaltending debate: Binnington vs Hellebuyck
• 07:39 – Knockout stage paths and bracket permutations
• 14:15 – Mark Lazarus joins from Milan
• 15:22 – Slovakia group win and upsets
• 18:39 – Differences in team pressure and Olympic atmosphere
• 20:31 – Switzerland’s strong showing and goaltending threats
• 29:13 – Canada vs US: Is group stage play masking true gap?
• 37:27 – Breakout stars: Slafkovsky, Celebrini, Moser, etc.
• 41:50 – USA’s possible MVPs, blue line, and Finland’s medal chances
• 43:19 – Listener’s bold prediction: Pastrňák sends Canada home

Tone & Flow

The hosts maintain a lively and analytical tone, balancing respect for favorites with recognition of upsets and wildcards. Their banter and Lazarus’s live color make the summary both comprehensive and easy to follow, especially for listeners who missed the episode or want a concentrated guide to Olympic men’s hockey as of February 16, 2026.