In an exciting matchup, Germany is set to face France in the Olympic Men’s Hockey playoff on February 17 at 6:10 a.m. ET. Both teams have shown distinctive paths leading up to this crucial game.
How They Got Here
Germany began the tournament with high expectations, entering as a potential medal contender. They commenced Group C play with a convincing 3-1 triumph over Denmark. However, Germany encountered challenges, suffering a surprising 4-3 loss to Latvia, followed by a disappointing 5-1 defeat against the USA. Finishing third in their group, they nevertheless remain a formidable opponent.
France, ranked 14th by the IIHF, secured a spot in the tournament amid the absence of Russian participation. Their journey included a disheartening 4-0 loss to Switzerland and a closely contested match against Czechia, where they fell 6-3. Canada decisively defeated France in their final group stage match, winning 10-2. Despite these results, France has proven to be resilient.
Previous Encounters
The last significant matchup between Germany and France in Olympic hockey occurred during the 1998 Nagano Games. In that game, Germany earned a 2-0 victory, featuring a standout performance by goaltender Olaf Kolzig and contributions from Peter Draisaitl.
Top Scorers
| Germany | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Stutzle | 3 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Leon Draisaitl | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| JJ Peterka | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Lukas Kaible | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Frederik Tiffels | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| France | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louis Boudon | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Justin Addamo | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Charles Bertrand | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Hugo Gallet | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Sacha Treille | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Team Strengths and Challenges
Germany boasts notable talent, including NHL stars like Draisaitl and Tim Stutzle, along with defenseman Moritz Seider. Despite their abilities, Germany’s earlier games revealed inconsistencies that they must address to advance in the playoffs.
On the French side, veteran Pierre-Edouard Bellemare leads a team that has delivered commendable performances despite lacking depth compared to their opponents. Noteworthy players like Louis Boudon and towering forward Sacha Treille have shown they can capitalize on any oversight by their opponents.
Key Questions
- For Germany: Can Moritz Seider elevate his offensive game to help secure victory?
- For France: Will Stephane Da Costa’s KHL experience translate into impactful plays at the Olympics?
Prediction
Germany is favored to win against France, who has faced tough adversaries throughout the group stage. The gap in talent is evident, though France’s tenacity could surprise the Germans. Anticipate a well-fought contest, with Germany likely securing a victory of around 5-1.
