The bar could not be set any higher in the men’s snowboard halfpipe competition (almost literally). Coming into the tournament, the talk has surrounded on a showdown between Shaun White and Scotty James. After their qualification performances, we understand why. But there will also be outsiders looking to spoil the party, namely Ayumu Hirano, who won gold in the X Games in January.
With the exceptionally high standard that’s been set in the qualifying rounds, you could expect to see some of the most captivating drama in PyeongChang tonight on NBC’s primetime coverage.
Snowboard
Shaun White performed like he had something to prove in the men’s qualification stage last night. The American, who still remembers his poor form in Sochi, landed an impressive 98.50 in his second run, and looks like his vintage self as he seeks his third Olympic gold medal. But Australia’s Scotty James, White’s biggest competitor, will have a say about that before the halfpipe concludes.
There are a handful of outsiders looking to spoil the party, however. Keep an eye on Ben Ferguson, Ayumu Hirano, and Raibu Katayama.
Men’s Halfpipe Final Stream Live Here 8:30p.m. EST / 5:30p.m. PST
Alpine Skiing
Mikaela Shiffrin has had to wait a while to get her Olympics rolling. The 2014 Olympic gold medalist, though, doesn’t feel any added stress from the delay. France’s Tessa Worley and 2010 gold medalist Viktoria Rebensburg are also serious gold medal contenders.
Women’s Slalom Run 1 Stream Live Here 8:15p.m. EST / 5:15p.m. PST
Figure Skating
The Knierims are back in action tonight in the pairs short program. They enter the competition as outsiders of a gold medal shot, with Germany and OAR set to duke it out for the top of the podium.
Short Program Stream Live Here 8:00p.m. EST / 5:00p.m. PST
Curling
Following a disappointing showing in the mixed doubles competition, Matt Hamilton will look to bounce back in the men’s doubles competition.
Canada, who won the gold in the mixed doubles, remain a solid favorite to win gold again. Great Britain and Sweden will also be looking to emulate their podium positions from 2014.
DEN vs. SWE Stream Live Here 7:05p.m. EST / 4:05p.m. PST
CAN vs. ITA Stream Live Here 7:05p.m. EST / 4:05p.m. PST
KOR vs. USA Stream Live Here 7:05p.m. EST / 4:05p.m. PST
SUI vs. GBR Stream Live Here 7:05p.m. EST / 4:05p.m. PST
Ice Hockey
Sweden and Switzerland have already punched their tickets to the semifinals, both starting 2-0 in group play. So what’s at stake in what could be argued a dead rubber game? Well, on the other side of the bracket are Canada, USA, and Finland. Those three nations are the three medal contenders, and only two - most likely Canada and USA - will advance. A first place finish in this group doesn’t mean much. Would would be meaningful, though, is an improbable win over one of the North American powerhouses.
SWE vs. SUI Stream Live Here 10:10p.m. EST / 7:10p.m. PST
