2026 Olympic Games: Medal Predictions, Odds and Picks for Feb. 19
Thursday is one of the premier betting days of the Winter Games. Three marquee medal events headline the slate, including the most anticipated rivalry game in women’s hockey, a world-class 1500m speed skating final featuring America’s breakout star, and a loaded women’s figure skating free skate that will decide the podium.
If you’re building a USA-focused betting card, this is the kind of day where you lean into elite talent and high-leverage moments rather than longshot chaos.
All odds via DraftKings
Men’s 1500m Speed Skating Final
Pick: Jordan Stolz To Win Gold (-3000)
Jordan Stolz has been one of the most dominant speed skaters in the world entering these Olympic Games. The American phenom has owned World Cup circuits over multiple distances and has proven he can close under pressure. The 1500m is a tactical race that rewards pacing discipline and finishing power, two areas where Stolz has separated himself internationally.
Emery Lehman and Casey Dawson also represent Team USA, but Stolz is the legitimate gold equity play. If priced near the top of the board, this is not a narrative bet. It’s a form bet. He enters as one of the strongest Americans on the entire Thursday slate as he looks to continue what has been an incredible run in Italy. Despite being a significant favorite in terms of odds, Stolz is still a great bet.
Women’s Ice Hockey Gold Medal Game: USA vs Canada
Pick: USA Moneyline (-500)
It does not get bigger than this. USA vs Canada for gold is the defining rivalry of women’s Olympic hockey. These games are typically decided by one goal, overtime or even a shootout. This is also a matchup between countries in which the men's teams are expected to face off in the gold medal game of their own event.
The Americans bring elite depth, strong puck possession and proven goaltending into this matchup. Canada will match them shift for shift, but the U.S. speed advantage on the wings and transition pressure gives them a slight edge. In what should be a fantastic game, backing the Americans on the moneyline aligns with the deeper offensive profile as the favorite in this one.
Women’s Figure Skating Free Skate
Pick: Alysa Liu To Win Gold (+275)
The women’s free skate will decide everything. With three Americans in the field, Liu presents the most realistic podium path. She combines technical base value with strong component scores and has consistently delivered in high-pressure international settings.
Gold will likely require near perfection given the international depth, but a podium finish is well within reach if she skates clean and would also be a solid bet. In an event where one popped jump can knock a favorite off the podium, Liu is a sleeper pick to have an outside chance at winning over the current favorites.
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins! Thursday blends rivalry intensity with elite individual opportunity. Stolz gives the United States a legitimate gold favorite in a world-class field. The women’s hockey final delivers the sport’s biggest stage against Canada. And Liu offers disciplined gold medal equity in a volatile judged event.
All Odds as of 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 18
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