Canada vs. Finland Prediction & Best Bets Today: Olympic Women's Hockey Betting Preview

Originally slated as the tournament opener, the clash between Canada and Finland was pushed to today following a norovirus outbreak in the Finnish Camp. My Canada vs. Finland prediction and best bets break down the Group A finale, and the stakes have shifted. 

Canada will be looking to bounce back from a 5-0 loss to Team USA, and they'll likely have to do it without captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who remains doubtful with a lower-body injury. Canada is a -4500 betting favorite ahead of puck drop at 8:30 a.m. ET (CBC Gem), and I'm expecting a dominant display in their sendoff to the quarterfinals.

🏒 Canada vs. Finland prediction: Olympic women's hockey

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

💰 Canada vs. Finland best bet: Canada -4.5 (+100)

There's a ton to unpack here, but the gist is this: Canada will be pumped to show their 5-0 defeat to Team USA was a mere blip in the road to glory. They'll also want to win for Marie-Philip Poulin if she doesn't play. Those factors will be enough for Canada to beat Finland by at least five goals.

While Finland played much better in their 3-1 win over Switzerland, Canada will take advantage of any signs of fatigue or residual effects of illness. I'm putting down one unit on the wager and would play it to -110. 

Score prediction: Canada 6, Finland 1 

🔥 Best Canada vs. Finland prop bet: Sarah Fillier anytime goal (+105)

Sarah Fillier has been one of Canada's best through three games, though no one played well against the United States.

She scored a goal in each of the first two games against Switzerland and Czechia, and I expect her to be buzzing again, particularly if Poulin doesn't play. I'm only putting half a unit on the wager, though, and I'd play the bet down to +100.  

🚑 What happened to Finland's women's hockey team?

Finland endured an exceedingly challenging start to its Olympic campaign after an outbreak of norovirus infected or sent into quarantine 13 players. It caused this game, which was originally set for Feb. 5, to be rescheduled. 

Shutout by Czechia and Team USA, Finland lost its first two games by a combined 7-0. Their performance improved notably in the third group game, as they beat Switzerland 3-1. 

🇨🇦 Is Marie-Philip Poulin playing today?

Canada captain Poulin suffered an injury against Czechia and didn't feature in the 5-0 loss to Team USA. Head coach Troy Ryan said she is doubtful for Thursday's game, but he is "hopeful" she returns before the end of the tournament. 

Poulin needs only one goal to tie the legendary Hayley Wickenheiser for the all-time goal-scoring record at the Olympics. Whether she'll be able to return and make history remains to be seen.

📈 Canada vs. Finland key betting trends

• Canada is 1-2-0 against the spread thus far
• Canada dominated Finland in recent meetings, winning the previous three by a combined 16-1
• In their last meeting at the Olympics, Canada won 11-1 in the Beijing 2022 round robin
• Sarah Fillier, my player prop for today's game, opened the scoring just 61 seconds into that game
• Canada faced Finland in the semifinals of the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, winning 8-1 to advance to the gold medal game

📺 How to watch Canada vs. Finland

• Date: Thursday, Feb. 12
• Puck drop: 8:30 a.m. ET
• Location: Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena (Milan, Italy)
• TV: CBC Gem