🏒 Canada vs. USA Prediction Today: Olympic Hockey Final Preview; Crosby Ruled Out
It's almost go-time for the Olympic men's hockey gold medal game, and a blow for Canada: Sidney Crosby has been ruled out. But my Canada vs. USA prediction for this morning's Olympic hockey final still outlines the best bet to capture gold, along with a Nathan MacKinnon player prop.
Puck drop is 8:10 a.m. ET, airing on NBC (United States) and CBC (Canada), depending on which side of the border you're watching on. Even without Sid, Canada is a -120 moneyline betting favorite. Can the Canucks win a third-straight best-on-best Olympics over the United States, or will Team USA capture supremacy for the first time since the Miracle on Ice?
π Canada vs. USA picks & odds today
Our expert Olympic hockey picks are based on the latest betting odds at the best sports betting sites.
| Bet type | Prediction | Units | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game prediction | Canada ML (-113) | 1.5u -> 1.32u | ββββ |
| Over/Under total | Under 5.5 (-162) | 1u -> 0.62u | ββββ |
| Player prop bet | Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal (+170) | 0.5u -> 0.85u | ββββ |
Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.79 units
If you're wondering how I fared with my 4 Nations Face-Off final prediction almost a year ago to the day, check it out. It could provide valuable intel for this showdown.
π° Canada vs. USA prediction & best bet
Canada ML (-113)
The final will likely come down to two things: Which team is more disciplined, and who among the countless superstars on display will come up with the golden moment?
It's anyone's guess which team will take fewer penalties, but I'm giving the edge to Canada on the latter point. Only eight of Canada's players haven't won the Stanley Cup, while just four Americans have.
Also, Canada held the lead for just 5:29 in the quarter and semifinals, overcoming immense pressure and adversity to make the final. I expect them to score first and finally play with the lead, facilitating their most complete game.
Score prediction: Canada 3, USA 2
💯 Plenty of points
I've outlined two players that could help Canada get to golden glory and one American that will be looking to change history in my Canada vs. USA player props.
π₯ Best Canada vs. USA player prop bet
Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal (+170)
Did you see MacKinnon's face after scoring the game-winning goal with just 36 seconds remaining against Finland? No smile, no smirk, all business.
With Connor McDavid finding more success recently on his dishes, MacKinnon represents my best goal-scoring pick. The NHL's leading scorer (40 goals) has come to life at the Olympics, scoring in both elimination games. He has four goals in the tournament, tied for second-most behind teammate Macklin Celebrini.
🚨 Goal scorers?
There's still plenty to choose from with five goals in my predicted score and no Sidney Crosby. I highlight two Canadians and one American to find the back of the net in my USA vs. Canada anytime goal scorer predictions.
π Canada vs. USA opening odds
Here is the Canada vs. USA odds via FanDuel:
| Team | Opening ML | Puck line | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | -106 | +1.5 (-280) | O5.5 (+134) |
| USA | -113 | -1.5 (+210) | U5.5 (-164) |
π Canada vs. USA odds movement
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Opening puck line | Current puck line | Opening Over/Under | Current Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | -106 | -118 | +1.5 (-280) | +1.5 (-265) | O5.5 (+134) | O5.5 (+130) |
| USA | -113 | -102 | -1.5 (+210) | -1.5 (+210) | U5.5 (-164) | U5.5 (-160) |
π Canada vs. USA preview
Why gold medal game will be similar to 4 Nations Face-Off final
While these loathed rivals would love to get chippy and carry on with extracurricular activities after the whistle, both teams understand the importance of staying out of the penalty box.
Even in the NHL-style rules of the 4 Nations Face-Off final, only one minor penalty was handed out. Canada had the only power play of the game, but failed to score.
The Olympics have shown how prolific Canada and Team USA are with the man advantage:
- Canada is 7-for-16 on the power play (43.75%)
- Canada was 1-for-3 with the man advantage against Czechia in the quarterfinal and 2-for-4 against Finland in the semifinal
- The United States is 5-for-14 (36%)
- Team USA was 0-for-2 against Sweden in the quarterfinal and 1-for-5 against Slovakia in the semifinal. However, Jack Hughes scored 4 seconds after time expired on a second-period power play
Given how lethal both teams are on the power play, they will likely be incredibly disciplined. I expect the game to be settled 5-on-5.
π‘ How I'm betting Canada vs. USA
I'm most confident that Canada will win gold for the third straight time in the Olympics featuring NHL players. That's why I'm placing a full unit on the bet.
The short odds on the total goals are the primary reason I'm going with a full unit and not a half. That amplifies the potential return. Instead of the .31-unit return on a half-unit wager, a full unit will facilitate a return of .62 units.
The Under is appealing for numerous reasons: First, space will be almost impossible to conjure, and it will be a defense-first mentality. Connor Hellebuyck is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, and Jordan Binnington saves his best for monumental moments.
For my goal-scorer pick, MacKinnon is hot, hellbent on winning and playing like a man possessed. He's also on the ice a ton. Each unit represents a $10 bet.
π¨π¦ Will Sidney Crosby play in gold medal game?
No. Sidney Crosby will not play in the gold medal game, he has been ruled out.
πΊπΈ Will Tage Thompson play against Canada?
Yes. Tage Thompson is suiting up for USA and ready to roll for the gold medal game.
πΊ How to watch Canada vs. USA
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 22
- Puck drop: 8:10 a.m. ET
- Location: Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena (Milan, Italy)
- TV: CBC, CBC Gem, Peacock, NBC
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