USA vs. Slovakia odds, prediction: 2026 Winter Olympics men's ice hockey semifinal picks from proven expert
CBS Sports
by
Ross Kelly
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The highly anticipated men's ice hockey semifinal clash between the United States and Slovakia at the 2026 Winter Olympics has drawn significant attention, with sports betting expert Matt Severance offering his analysis and predictions. The U.S. is favored heavily, entering the game as -750 favorites against Slovakia (+520), with an over/under of 5.5 goals. Severance's recent success in NHL predictions, including a 235-155-21 record this season, adds credibility to his insights.
The U.S. secured their place in the semifinals by defeating Sweden 2-1 in overtime, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Slovakia, meanwhile, delivered a dominant 6-2 win over Germany, continuing their strong form in the tournament. This will be their first meeting since Slovakia's 5-4 overtime victory over the U.S. at the 2024 World Championship, a result that highlights the competitive nature of this matchup.
Severance predicts an exciting game with both teams scoring multiple goals, citing recent trends where each squad has averaged at least two goals per contest. The Slovakians' star player, Juraj Slafkovský, who leads the tournament in points per game, is expected to pose a significant threat to the U.S. defense despite Connor Hellebuyck's strong performance. Slovakia's offensive depth and scoring efficiency (12.31%) further support Severance's belief in their ability to challenge the U.S.
For readers interested in sports betting and hockey analytics, this matchup offers valuable insights into team dynamics and player performances. The
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026