🏒 Canada vs. Finland Prediction & Odds: Olympic Hockey Semifinal Best Bets

The last team to win a best-on-best Olympics faces the defending Olympic champions in Friday's semifinal (10:40 a.m. ET, CBC, Peacock), and my Canada vs. Finland prediction features three bets. 

With Canada the heavy -500 moneyline betting favorite, I'm turning my attention to the puck line. Considering Sidney Crosby's current injury situation, I'm also headlining Connor McDavid, convinced he's in for a performance punctuated by a goal. 

🏒 Canada vs. Finland picks & odds: Feb. 20

Our expert Olympic hockey picks are based on the latest betting odds at the best sports betting sites.

Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.05 units

💰 Canada vs. Finland prediction & best bet:  

Finland +2.5 (-130)

The comeback win over Czechia will likely have the same impact for Canada as the world's strongest sniffing salts.

Finland, meanwhile, will be buzzing with confidence, feeling like it's playing with house money after its stunning two-goal comeback against Switzerland.

Both improbable quarterfinal comebacks should elicit each team's best hockey, and Finland's best will be good enough to remain competitive against a Canadian team that, despite dominating Czechia in shots, also looked vulnerable defensively, leaving Jordan Binnington hanging too often. 

Finland's resistance will be stiff, but in the end, futile. 

Score prediction: Canada 4, Finland 2

🔥 Best Canada vs. Finland player prop bet

Connor McDavid anytime goal (+105)

While he only has two goals, McDavid's been Canada's best offensive player by a mile, other than the teenage sensation he shares a line with.  

It's also an occasion tailor-fit for some McDavid heroics. Whether it's the 4 Nations Face-Off final or the Stanley Cup Final, McDavid usually shows up in the biggest moment. His linemates are world-class, but McDavid rarely endures a dip. And with Sidney Crosby's status up in the air, he will take it upon himself to raise the already sky-high bar.

I'd play this bet to +100. 

💡 How I'm betting Canada vs. Finland

Using your bankroll based on confidence level is a fundamental part of betting.

I'm most confident in Finland remaining competitive and McDavid scoring, which is why I'm placing a full unit on those. While I love McDavid to score two or more points, the -160 odds are too short to pull trigger. 

In terms of the Over/Under, I'm slightly less confident, given Finland's excellent collective defense, along with Juuse Saros playing at his vintage best more often than not. I'm making the bet, though, as I believe Canada's explosive offense, which has scored at least four goals in every game, will offset the contrary. 

🇨🇦 Will Sidney Crosby play in semifinal against Finland? 

Crosby didn't return after leaving in the second period against Czechia. The Canada captain buckled awkwardly after taking a hit from Radko Gudas and Martin Necas and will require imaging to find out the severity of the lower-body injury. 

We should hear an update about his condition on Thursday morning, but I'd be surprised if he's able to return for the final (if they make it), let alone Friday's semifinal. 

📊 What is the puck line for Canada vs. Finland?

📺 How to watch Canada vs. Finland

• Date: Friday, Feb. 20
• Puck drop: 10:40 a.m. ET
• Location: Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena (Milan, Italy)
• TV: CBC, CBC Gem, Peacock