The Olympics are a time for excitement and surprises, and Chris Pronger, a guest columnist for The Athletic, is here to guide us through the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Pronger, a former NHL player, brings his expertise to the table, offering insights into the round-robin stage and the potential for upsets. He highlights the dominance of Canada and the threat of Slovakia, Finland, the United States, and Sweden. However, he also emphasizes the importance of not underestimating underdog teams, as they can hang around and cause upsets. Pronger discusses the challenges faced by the United States and Sweden, particularly in the elimination round, where margins get fine and hot goaltenders can make a difference. He also highlights the importance of lineup changes and finding the right fit for players, as seen with Victor Hedman's move to the third pair. Pronger's analysis is balanced, acknowledging the strengths of the top teams while also recognizing the potential for surprises. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of health and goaltending for Canada, and the need to temper expectations for the North American giants. Overall, Pronger's insights provide a comprehensive and engaging look at the Olympics, leaving readers eager to see how the tournament unfolds.
