Switzerland vs. France Prediction & Best Bets Today: Olympic Men's Hockey Betting Preview
I'm banking on Switzerland securing the first cover from a betting favorite at the men's Olympics in my Switzerland vs. France prediction for today's Group A opener.
Switzerland is the -1450 moneyline betting favorite, and the puck drops at 6:10 a.m. ET (USA Network). France has one active NHLer on their roster, which I believe Switzerland will take advantage of. Come along for the ride as we delve into what should be the most exciting hockey tournament in 12 years.
🏒 Switzerland 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 | Unit size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puck line bet | Switzerland -3.5 | +115 via BetMGM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2u |
| Total | Over 5.5 | -110 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 1u |
| Player prop | Timo Meier anytime goal | +120 via FanDuel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 0.5u |
💰 Switzerland vs. France best bet: Switzerland -3.5 (+115)
While I don't feel Switzerland is a medal hopeful, their squad has dangerous players who can put the puck in the net.
Timo Meier, Kevin Fiala, Nico Hischier, Nino Niederreiter, and Roman Josi headline their most formidable offensive players, and I believe they'll do some damage against a France team that has only one current NHLer (Alexandre Texier).
I also like the Over 5.5, but there is a decent chance France doesn't score. If that happens, cashing the bet will be all the more challenging. This bet represents my biggest edge of the game, which is why I'm placing two units on it. I'd play. the bet to +105.
Score prediction: Switzerland 5, France 1
🔥 Best Switzerland vs. France prop bet: Timo Meier anytime goal (+120)
Meier has 14 goals in 52 games for the New Jersey Devils, the second most. Meier is arguably Switzerland's best goal scorer, and he netted in 11 of the previous 27 games while representing the country.
What I like most about this bet is the fact that he's up against an entire crew of non-NHL defensemen. It's what gives the prop the biggest edge. However, I'm only putting half a unit on it until I get a feel for how Meier performs with his linemates.
FanDuel offers the best price of the best sports betting sites, and I'd play the bet to +100.
🇨🇭How many Swiss players are NHLers?
Switzerland has 10 players in the NHL, including:
| Player | NHL team |
|---|---|
| Kevin Fiala | Kings |
| Nico Hischier | Devils |
| Timo Meier | Devils |
| Jonas Siegenthaler | Devils |
| Philipp Kurashev | Sharks |
| Nino Niederreiter | Jets |
| Pius Suter | Blues |
| Roman Josi | Predators |
| J.J. Moser | Lightning |
| Akira Schmid | Golden Knights |
🇫🇷 How many French players are NHLers?
France has just one NHL player, Alexandre Texier of the Montreal Canadiens. They do, however, have three additional players with NHL experience: Pierre-Édouard Bellemare, Yohann Auvitu and Stéphane Da Costa.
Bellemare is 40 years old and played for five NHL teams. Auvitu played 58 games split between the New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers, while Da Costa played 47 games across four seasons with the Ottawa Senators.
🤔 How I'm capping Switzerland vs. France
As it's the opening game of the tournament for both teams, I'm capping it differently than I would otherwise. Here's how:
- Analyze the rosters and get a feel for their strengths and weaknesses
- Look at the starting goaltenders.
- Switzerland's Akira Schmid has played the most games of the Golden Knights' netminders this season, while France has no goaltender with NHL experience. Two play in the Swiss professional league, and the other plays in Slovakia
- Take a look at previous head-to-head results
Will France be able to cover the spread like Italy?
Here's the deal.
Italy enjoyed a hot start against Sweden, taking advantage of a complacent start from Filip Gustavsson. In addition, Italy got heroic goaltending from Damian Clara, who made 46 saves before leaving the game early in the third period with an injury.
Sweden scored two goals after Clara's departure.
Goaltenders are often the difference-makers in tournaments of this nature. Clara is the first-ever Italian player drafted to the NHL, and he made a statement. I don't see the same thing happening from France's netminders, none of whom have the same upside as Clara.
One thing is for sure: The Anaheim Ducks will be thrilled to see how their prospect stymied one of the world's best over and over again.
📺 How to watch Switzerland vs. France
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 12
- Puck drop: 6:10 a.m ET
- Location: Santagiulia Arena (Milan, Italy)
- TV: USA Network
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