The France vs Czechia men’s ice hockey preliminary round game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy features two teams that lost their tournament openers. With both teams coming off lopsided defeats in their opening games, this Group A clash at Milano’s Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena should feature two desperate teams. Before this contest begins, you can continue reading to get my France vs Czechia prediction on the ice in Italy.
Our France vs Czechia Pick
Pick:
Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: France vs Czechia
- Date & Time: Friday, February 13, 2026, 10:40 a.m. Eastern
- Venue: Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy
- Broadcast: Peacock
Key Storylines
- Both teams are looking to respond from opening-game losses. Czechia fell 5-0 to Canada, while France was shut out 4-0 by Switzerland.
- Czechia’s roster boasts multiple NHL stars such as David Pastrnak, Martin Necas, and Tomas Hertl, giving them a talent edge.
- France is competing in the Olympics men’s ice hockey event for the first time since 2002 and carries limited NHL experience into Milano.
Recent form
Czechia’s opener against Canada was a tough assignment as they were thoroughly outplayed and failed to score. However, that loss should spark a stronger performance against France, as the Czech side faces a less daunting opponent here. France’s first game was also a rough outing, getting shut down by the Swiss scoring depth and finishing scoreless. France’s lack of high-end talent and NHL experience was evident in its inability to convert power-play opportunities.
Goaltending
Czechia may go with Karel Vejmelka in net after resting him against Canada. Vejmelka has been solid this season with his NHL club and brings experience that should limit France’s goal production. France’s goaltending situation appears more vulnerable, with out NHL-level talent to try and compete with the weapons on opposing teams.
Key skaters
Czechia’s offense is headlined by Pastrnak, who sits among the NHL’s top scorers this season with strong goal and assist totals. Necas and Hertl provide secondary scoring threats, while Filip Hronek runs the power-play unit. France’s talent pool is thinner, with veteran forwards such as Pierre-Edouard Bellemare providing leadership but limited offensive upside compared to Czech stars.
France vs Czechia Model Projection
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Final Thoughts
