There has been much anticipation around the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off and it’s finally here. This eight-day stretch will be a treat for hockey fans with tons of talent on each team. The first puck drop of the tournament is on Wednesday night with a matchup between Canada and Sweden. Players and fans alike will be buzzing which should make for a fantastic game of hockey. If you want to watch the game with a little vested interest, let’s delve into our Canada vs Sweden best bets.
Team Sweden vs Team Canada Predictions
- Pick #1: Canada -1.5 over Sweden
- Pick #2: Over 5.5
- Pick #3: Sam Reinhart anytime goalscorer
Pick #1: Canada -1.5 Over Sweden
Canada should be ready to set the tone for the tournament in this one. This game is being played in front of a home crowd in Montreal which will only help. After the USA won its second consecutive World Junior Championship last month, there have been conversations around Hockey Canada being at a bit of a crossroads after early exits from the World Juniors and the 2022 Winter Olympics. This version of Team Canada will be chomping at the bit to end those conversations.
The chip on their shoulder and home ice only adds to a remarkably stacked roster. The starpower up and down the lineup cannot be matched by any other opponent in the tournament. Sweden will have to play perfect to compete and potentially win this game because they don’t have an answer for Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, among other Canadian superstars. Look for Canada to come out firing in this one and make a statement.
Pick #2: Over 5.5
The scoring prowess of Canada is no secret. They should not have much of an issue doing their part in contributing to a high-scoring matchup with at least six goals. If they do indeed get ahead in this game, it could force Sweden to take some chances offensively which would also bode well for the over.
Team Sweden is no slouch in the attack either. They have the firepower to stay competitive in a high-scoring game which includes impressive offensive defensemen. They also have what looks to be a favorable matchup against Canada’s goaltending that on paper may be the weakest of the four teams. The pure matchup of these teams gives the over plenty of appeal.
Pick #3: Sam Reinhart Anytime Goalscorer
Not many players in the NHL have been better than Sam Reinhart over the past couple of years. In two seasons from 2022-2024, Reinhart tallied 88 goals and 161 points in 164 games played, scored the game-winning goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals to win hockey’s ultimate prize. He then signed a large extension with the Florida Panthers in July 2024. Reinhart led the NHL in powerplay goals last year, and this season, he has 31 goals and 62 points in 57 games.
All of the above illustrates that Reinhart can produce consistently and score in big games. Now he is in a situation where he will be on a line with Connor McDavid and Mitch Marner, players who can dish the puck as well as anyone, and will be on the top power play. Reinhart has as good of a chance as anyone to score in this game.
