United States vs Sweden Preview & Picks – USA To Reach Winter Olympics Semi-Finals

leigh-copson
18 Feb 2026
Leigh Copson 18 Feb 2026
Share this article
Or copy link
  • United States vs Sweden picks for Wednesday, February 18
  • Quarter-final game is taking place at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
  • Preview, predictions, stats & form
Connor Hellebuyck and Matthew Tkachuk of the USA (Getty Images)

United States vs Sweden Preview & Picks

The United States are tipped to cover as they book their place in the semi-final.

The Americans are well rested after completing a perfect group stage campaign, while Sweden have lacked cohesion so far and needed to navigate a playoff yesterday.

  • United States won all 3 of their group stage games
  • All 3 of the United States’ wins have come by at least 3 goals
  • Sweden’s previous defeat was by 3 goals
  • 2 of the United States’ first 3 games went under 6.5 goals

Head To Head

  • Sweden lead the series 9-8 since 2004
  • United States won 6-2 when the two teams last met in May 2025

United States Form

The United States advanced to the quarter-finals of the Winter Olympics by reeling off three victories during the group stage.

The Americans opened the tournament with a convincing 5-1 victory when they took on a tough Latvia team.

They backed that up in their second matchup, but they had to come back from being 2-1 down at the end of the first period to beat Denmark 6-3.

The United States made straightforward work of their final group game though, as they secured a playoff bye.

The Americans rattled in five goals before giving up a consolation goal in a 5-1 victory over Germany.

Sweden Form

Sweden go into this matchup having won three of their four games to reach the quarter-finals of the Winter Olympics.

The Swedes enjoyed a winning start to the competition as they opened with a 5-2 victory over Italy.

They failed to back that up though, as a 4-1 defeat to Finland ultimately resulted in them needing to play a playoff game.

Sweden did rebound quickly from that loss as they concluded the group stage with a 5-3 win over Slovakia.

The Swedes then won back-to-back games for the first time in this year’s competition as they downed Latvia in a playoff, 5-1.

Verdict

The United States comfortably negotiated the group stage, while Sweden struggled to make an impression despite boasting a roster of NHL talent.

Momentum and form are firmly in the Americans’ corner, so we expect the USA to get this done.

Best Bet1: USA -1.5 Line @110.00 at Stake.us - 4 Units
Best Bet2: Under 6.5 Total Goals @-125.00 at Stake.us - 2 Units
USA -1.5
Line
@110.00 - 4 Units
55 Stake Cash no deposit & 550,000 Gold Coins & 5% Rakeback
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Sign up with the code NEWBONUS. When you verify your account get 25 Stake Cash for free PLUS 250,000 Gold Coins and 5% Rakeback! No deposit required. Login each day for the next 30 days and get an additional 30 Stake Cash AND 300,000 Gold Coins. 21+ only. T&Cs apply. Excludes WA, NY, NV, ID, KY, MI, VT, NJ, DE, WV, PA, RI & MD.

Bet at Stake.us
Under 6.5
Total Goals
@-125.00 - 2 Units
55 Stake Cash no deposit & 550,000 Gold Coins & 5% Rakeback
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Sign up with the code NEWBONUS. When you verify your account get 25 Stake Cash for free PLUS 250,000 Gold Coins and 5% Rakeback! No deposit required. Login each day for the next 30 days and get an additional 30 Stake Cash AND 300,000 Gold Coins. 21+ only. T&Cs apply. Excludes WA, NY, NV, ID, KY, MI, VT, NJ, DE, WV, PA, RI & MD.

Bet at Stake.us

Upcoming Events

27 March 2026

2026 MLB World Series Betting Preview Baseball 2026 MLB World Series Odds – LA Dodgers Favourites For 3-Peat