- Canada is a -238 moneyline favourite over Sweden within the inaugural recreation of the 4 Nations Face-Off on Wednesday
- The Canadians are anticipated to have the event’s greatest offense, however are missing on the blueline and in web
- See the Canada vs Sweden Prediction, odds and tune-in info, beneath
The 4 Nations Face-Off will get underway Wednesday, with Canada dealing with Sweden within the opener. The four-team event, which options the most effective NHL gamers on the planet, additionally contains Finland and the USA.
The occasion is changing the All-Star Recreation this 12 months, and performing as a global tune-up for the 2026 Olympics. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 pm ET from the Bell Centre, in Montreal, with TNT offering the published within the U.S, and Sportsnet dealing with the TV protection in Canada.
Canada vs Sweden Odds
Canada is at present a hefty -238 moneyline favourite, with Sweden coming again as a +195 underdog. The full is ready at 5.5, with the juice shaded to the over. That facet of the market is engaging, given the Canadians firepower, and their underwhelming protection and goaltending.
Odds as of Feb.11 at Caesars. Try SBD’s Caesars Sportsbook evaluate to see the out there sign-up bonuses.
Canada vs Sweden Prediction
- Over 5.5 Objectives (-130) at Caesars
It’s been 9 years since NHL gamers participated in a global event. The 4 Nations Face-Off is a slimmed-down model of a global competitors, however is poised to supply distinctive hockey. The 4 groups will play one another as soon as in a round-robin format, with the highest two groups advancing to the Championship Recreation on February twentieth.
The Canadians are tied with the Individuals for the shortest odds to win the event at +160. Sweden is subsequent +400, adopted by Finland at +900. You received’t discover a weak spot up entrance on Canada, as they function the most effective all-around expertise in Connor McDavid, and the NHL’s prime scorer Nathan MacKinnon.
There was some concern that captain Sidney Crosby would possibly sit out, however he confirmed he’ll play on Monday. Canada’s roster additionally boasts Norris Trophy odds favourite Cale Makar, however after the Colorado star, the backend expertise tapers off.
Depth on the blueline was a difficulty to start with, but it surely’s much more regarding after the lack of Alex Pietrangelo. The Golden Knights defensemen has a bevy of championship expertise, profitable a Stanley Cup with St. Louis and Vegas, and a World Junior Championship as a teen.
Canada’s success at this event might hinge on its goaltending. Jordan Binnington will start because the No. 1, which is a curious determination given his play this season. Binnington ranks thirty fifth in targets towards common, and thirty ninth in save share. Aidan Hill will function back-up, whereas Logan Thompson, who holds the NHL’s third-best save share, was left off the roster.
4 Nations Face-Off Championship Odds
Sweden, in the meantime, has goaltending problems with its personal. They’re down projected starter Jacob Markstrom, and quantity two Linus Ullmark. That leaves Filip Gustavsson to man the crease. The 26-year-old is having fun with a bounce again season with 22 wins up to now, after ending 2023-24 with a save share south of .900.
Victor Hedman headlines a protection that profiles among the many event’s greatest. He, Rasmus Dahlin and Erik Karlsson ought to be capable of generate offense, which may make up for a lackluster ahead group. Sweden’s top-six is headlined by William Nylander, Jesper Pratt and Filip Forsberg, however the scoring depth on the third and fourth strains pale compared to the Canadians and Individuals.
Nonetheless, there ought to be sufficient firepower to check an underwhelming Canadian backend. With a lot offensive expertise on Canada, it’s laborious to check this recreation not turning right into a shootout. Worldwide hockey, that includes NHL stars, tends to lean aim heavy. Within the final 4 Olympics the NHL took half in, the 4 nations competing on this occasion all averaged roughly 4 targets per recreation.
The 2016 World Cup of Hockey in the meantime, averaged 8 targets per contest. That was the final time NHL stars suited up for a global occasion, and followers ought to count on fireworks of their return on Wednesday.
