The 4 Nations Face-Off is two games in and has lived up to every bit of the hype so far. The tournament was off to a hot start with an overtime win for Canada in front of a raucous crowd. As for Team USA, they flexed their 4 Nations credentials with a dominant 6-1 victory over Finland. Now with each team having a game under their belt, the USA and Canada continue their great hockey rivalry on Saturday night in prime time. With the skill and star power in this game, this may be one of the best versions of the USA vs Canada in decades, if not ever. For those looking to add intrigue with a wager or two on the game, here are a few worth considering.
Team USA vs Team Canada Predictions
- Pick #1: Canada ML over USA (-120)
- Pick #2: Under 6.5 (-130)
- Pick #3: Brayden Point over 0.5 points (-110)
Pick #1: Canada ML Over USA (-120)
This matchup has a very thin margin of error. In a game that can be a coin flip, the team with more experience has more appeal, which is Canada. They have had a few practices and a high-intensity game played with their new teammates. Team Canada will make the adjustments needed after their Wednesday win and should play a clean, fast game.
As mentioned, Team Canada’s experience appears to be a differentiator. Team USA has a ton of talent, but with that talent is a fair amount of youth, relative inexperience and lack of playoff success at the NHL level. Canada is impressively balanced with a mix of young talent, veteran presence, and loads of big-game, winning experience at the NHL level. Canada looks to be the more reliable play given the pure talent and experience they possess, while being in a home atmosphere should benefit them greatly.
Pick #2: Under 6.5 (-130)
The thin margin of error also bodes well for the under. For as much goalscoring talent as there is on both teams, there is also a ton of talent that can prevent goals. Canada did a great job containing Sweden as they held the Swedes to 12 shots through two periods and 22 shots in regulation. Offensively, Canada had just 20 shots in regulation. If Team Canada can replicate that defensive performance, the under should have a great chance of cashing.
As it pertains to the Americans, they have arguably the best goalie in the world, Connor Hellebuyck. Even considering the offensive firepower on Team USA and the fact they put six goals on Finland, Hellebuyck should keep things tight on the defensive end, especially after allowing only one goal in USA’s opening game. If they can hold Team Canada to another sub-30 shot performance, we should see a low-scoring game.
Pick #3: Brayden Point Over 0.5 points (-120)
Brayden Point has been a point-plus per game player in the last 3 seasons and played a key role in Tampa Bay’s two Stanley Cups in 2020-21. Point has played 82 career playoff games and has tallied 40 goals and 82 points. This is a big game player with good value to produce on Saturday.
In Team Canada’s win over Sweden, Point had an assist and was +1. He centers the third line between Brad Marchand and Seth Jarvis. In addition to being an impressive line, they should get better matchups than the top 1-2 lines. Point also centers the second power play. In an intense rivalry game, there will be physical play which could result in power play opportunities. Point could be a factor again in this one.
