Canada vs. France Prediction, Odds & Picks: 2026 Olympic Men’s Hockey Preview
Despite already guaranteeing automatic qualification into the quarterfinals, there's a ton on the line for Canada in today's Group A finale, which I discuss in my Canada vs. France prediction and best bets.
Canada is the monster -10000 moneyline betting favorite for this morning's game (10:40 a.m. ET, CBC). Don't expect Jon Cooper's team to let their foot off the gas, as goal differential will likely determine whether Canada or the United States will have to face Sweden, the team with the third-shortest Olympic hockey odds, in the quarterfinals. I'm focusing on the spread, the total, and a Macklin Celebrini player prop.
🏒 Canada vs. France prediction: Olympic men's hockey
Our expert Olympic hockey picks are based on the latest betting odds at the best sports betting sites.
| Bet type | Bet | Best odds | Confidence | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puck line bet | Canada -6.5 | +120 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2u |
| Total | Over 7.5 | -125 via BetMGM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 1u |
| Player prop | Macklin Celebrini anytime goal | -125 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 1u |
💰 Canada vs. France best bet: Canada -6.5 (+120)
I wouldn't like to be in France's shoes. Canada has been the most impressive team thus far, with four lines rolling and the first three almost interchangeable.
I say almost because no line is as dominant, dynamic, or explosive as the trio of Celebrini, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon. France, the world's 14th-ranked hockey nation, won't be able to keep up with the fourth line, let alone the Hart Trophy odds front-runners, which comprise the world's best unit.
And as I discuss below, there will be no letting up on the gas for the team with the shortest Olympic hockey odds.
Score prediction: Canada 9, France 1
🔥 Best Canada vs. France prop bet: Macklin Celebrini anytime goal (-125)
As McDavid said after the Switzerland game, Celebrini is like a dog on a bone, relentless in his puck pursuit and desire to score. The 19-year-old scored a goal in the first and second games, and he's playing alongside the world's two best forwards.
While I'd back Celebrini to score no matter who he plays with, the probability, at least in my opinion, skyrockets with McDavid and MacKinnon feeding him pucks. MacKinnon and McDavid's odds to score a goal are -170 and -165, respectively, so I'm going with the -125 bargain for the San Jose Sharks megastar in the making.
I'd play this bet to -140.
🖐️ Canada vs. France betting analysis: Why the spread is the best bet
I won't provide the full list of details for the men's Olympic hockey tiebreakers; suffice it to say that today's meeting against France is especially meaningful for Canada.
That's because either Canada or Team USA, whichever team finishes second overall, will be forced to face No. 7 seed Sweden in the quarterfinal. Of course, Sweden will have to win its playoff matchup against Latvia or Denmark first.
Canada currently has a plus-9 goal differential, with Team USA at plus-7.
With goal differential acting as the tiebreaker, Canada will be highly motivated to run up the score, thereby guaranteeing it won't face Sweden, the team with the third-shortest Olympic hockey odds, in the quarterfinals.
Team USA faces Germany at 3:10 p.m. ET.
What is the puck line for Canada vs. France?
| Team | Puck line |
|---|---|
| Canada | -6.5 (+120) |
| France | +6.5 (-160) |
📺 How to watch Canada vs. France
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 15
- Puck drop: 10:40 a.m. ET
- Location: Santagiulia Arena (Milan, Italy)
- TV: CBC, CBC Gem, Peacock
💡Olympic hockey expert picks
- How to bet the men's Olympic hockey tournament
- Men's Olympic hockey odds & predictions
- One reason each favorite and dark horse can win
- Olympic hockey odds at prediction markets
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